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TWENTIETH  CENTURY  SKETCHES 


OF  THE 


South  Carolina   Conference, 
M.  E.  Church,  South, 


By  REV,  WATSON  B.  DUNCAN,  A.  M. 


^'i  1'.'    ^' -^ 


Published  by 

THE  STATE  COMPANY, 

COLUMBIA,  SOUTH   CAROLINA. 

1901. 


Copyright,  1901. 
—BY- 
WATSON  B.  DUNCAN. 


<     r      w     c  «  e     t 


'*         •        e  « ■ 


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Dedication: 


To  the  Preachers'  Devoted  Wives,  Whose  Unheralded  Labors 
Have  Largely  Made  Possible  the  Records  Contained  in  These  Pages, 
and  the  Story  of  Whose  Heroic  and  Loving  Service  Will  Xcver  be 
Revealed  Until  the  Books  of  Heaven  Are  Opened  to  An  Admiring 
Universe,  This  Book  is  Most  Affectionately  Dedicated. 


Oi 


«SI 

tn 

CM 

> 


UJ 


Editor's  Hote, 


After  much  labor  and  many  trials,  I  am  able  to  offer  our  Book 
of  Sketches  to  the  pul)lic.  Xo  one  is  more  conscious  of  its  defects 
than  1.  The  ideal  has  not  been  realized,  but  I  believe  that  the  reader 
will  admit  that,  all  things  considered,  the  book  is  a  success.  I  am 
sorry  that  a  few  of  the  brethren  did  not  furnish  data  for  sketches. 
I  made  a  sincere  and  persistent  effort  to  secure  every  one.  but  the 
reader  will  observe  that  a  few  are  missingf. 
§  I   reg^ret  the  lack  of  uniformity   in   size  and  appearance  of  the 

^  engravings.  Several  of  the  brethren  had  engravings  which  were 
of  various  sizes.  Some  of  the  photos  were  inferior  and  the  engravers 
had  to  use  the  material  furnished.  In  giving  the  Conference  Classes 
I  followed  the  chronological  roll  in  the  minutes,  which,  I  believe, 
gives  only  the  names  of  those  living. 

The  reader  will  notice  that  the  sketches  of  some  of  the  brethen 
are  verv  brief.     This  is  due  to  the  fact  that  the  data  furnished  were 
O      exceedingly  meagre. 

^  T  did  not  attach  the  initials  of  the  writers  to  any  of  the  sketches. 

o  Either  the  sketches  were  prepared  by  friends  or  the  data  furnished 
the  editor  who  prepared  them  for  ])ublication. 

Thanking  the  brethren  who  so  kindly  aided  in  the  enterprise  and 
praving  God's  richest  blessing  u|)on  all  whose  faithful  records  are 
herein  briefly  narrated.  T  am, 

\'ery  sincerely, 

WATSOX  P..  Dl'XC.VX. 

Laurens.  S.  C.  July.  1901. 


448812 


Introduction, 


JAS.   H.   CAKLISLK. 


"Who's  Who  III  America"  is  the  title  of  a  book  which  has  been 
useful  to  many  readers.  It  aims  to  give  information  about  persons 
of  more  or  less  prominence  now  living  in  our  country.     It  is  very 

rarely  that  an  epithet  or  an  adjec- 
tive of  praise  is  found  in  its  pages. 
It  is  not  a  book  of  eulogies,  or  su- 
l)erlatives.  There  was  no  impro- 
])riety,  if  we  suppose  the  short 
sketches  were  written  by  the  per- 
sons themselves.  They  are  color- 
less, with  their  few  dates  and  his- 
torical statements.  A  similar  book, 
it  is  said,  will  a])i)ear  soon,  con- 
fined to  living  South  Carolinians. 
These  volumes  raise  embarrassing 
(|uestions.  about  the  lines  of  in- 
clusion and  exclusion.  When  the 
editors  have  used  all  possible  dili- 
gence and  impartiality,  some  read- 
ers will  lie  surprised,  even  of- 
fended, because  certain  names  are 
put  in,  antl  others  because  certain  names  are  left  out.  The  book  now 
before  us  is  free  from  this  invidious  feature.  Every  living  member 
of  the  South  Carolina  Conference  is  entitled  to  his  place  here  and  no 
one  else.  No  attcm])t  is  made  to  arrange  the  names  or  the  men  in 
ranks  or  gradations. 

Photographs  and  cuts  are  now  cheap  and  common.  For  several 
years  it  has  been  usual  to  have  some  in  the  Animal  Minutes,  and  in 
the  Directory  giving  information  about  a  coming  Conference.  This 
is  all  right.  These  publications,  with  their  historical  facts  and  like- 
nesses, are  a  framework,  around  which  intelligent  interest  and 
Church  loyalty  may  gather.  We  have  pictures. of  John  and  Charles 
Wesley  at  various  stages  of  life.  Our  early  magazines  had  i)ictures, 
more  or  less  artistic,  of  living  ministers.  As  early  as  1830  a  likeness 
of  Rev.  ^^^  Capers.  D.  D..  was  given  in  the  Methodist  Magazine  in 
New  York.  The  cost  at  that  time  necessarily  confined  these  pictures 
to  a  few  subjects.  A  few  days  ago  I  found  a  sermon  by  Rev.  Sam- 
uel Dunwoody,  in  Savannah.  1827.  I  was  interested,  as  the  vener- 
able man  married  my  parents,  and  in  early  life  I  was  often  amused 
by  his  iimocent  oddities  and  instructed  by  his  solemn,  impressive 
force  in  the  ])ul])it.  It  was  disappointing  to  remember  that  no  like- 
ness exists  to  show  the  ])resent  generation  what  manner  of  man  he 
was  in  the  body.  Xow  pictures  meet  us  everywhere.  Our  editors, 
with  energy  and  promptness,  give  us  the  features  of  persons  about 


whom  we  feel  any  curiosity.  Not  only  men.  but  women  now  may 
have  their  faces  spread  out  to  pubHc  gaze,  very  cheaply,  by  certifying 
to  the  merits  of  a  patent  medicine. 

A  Methodist  itinerant,  in  a  few  years,  may  have  work  assigned 
him  in  different  parts  of  the  State.  Many  persons  feel  an  interest 
more  or  less  positive,  in  his  work  and  welfare.  In  many  sections  of 
our  State,  once  a  year  hundreds  ask  with  anxiety,  "Who  is  our  new 
preacher?''  Anv  information  about  him,  his  age,  his  previous  work, 
even  his  personal  appearance,  is  gladly  received.  This  book  will  be 
consulted  by  manv  under  these  circumstances.  It  may  become  a 
household  book  in  man}-  Methodist  homes.  The  ties  between  pas- 
tors and  people  may  be  increased  and  strengthened  by  it,  as  it  tells 
"JVJio's  Who  III  The  South  Carolina  Conference." 

The  editor  has  taken  time  and  pains,  and  has  incurred  risks,  while 
preparing  this  contribution  to  the  body  of  which  he  is  a  member. 
Surely  no  one  will  be  "puffed  up"  by  the  work.  Rather,  let  every 
one  be  humbled  and  strengthened  by  the  thought  that  he  publicly 
takes  his  place  in  the  old  historic  Conference. 

Sometimes  a  picture  is  quietly  and  sadly  removed  from  the  family 
collection.  It  represents  a  name,  a  life,  w'hich  must  be  passed  over 
in  silence  and  charity.  Here  is  a  large  Family  Album.  May  no 
one  be  found,  in  coming-  vears.  unworthy  of  his  place  in  this  goodly 
company.  Jas.  H.  Carlisle. 

Wofford  College. 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


REV.  J.  S.  ABERCROMBIE. 

Rev.  Jefiferson  Stoliall  Al)ercrombie,  son  of  Mr.  J.  H.  and  Mrs. 
Eniilv  E.  Abercroni])ii;,  was  l)orn  in  Laurens  County,  S.  C,  January 
15,  1862.  His  parents  resided  near  Dial's  Church,  a  historic  place  in 
Piedmont  Methodism.  His  paternal  ancestors  were  of  the  noted 
Scotch  clan  of  Abercrombies.  His  maternal  ancestors,  the  Hydes, 
were  English,  coming  over  with  the  early  settlers  of  Mrginia. 

His  early  educational  advantages  were  somewhat  limited,  being 
such  as  the  common  schools  of  the  country  afforded.  He  en- 
deavored, however,  to  make  good  use  of  these,  so  when  he  entered 
the  ministrv  he  b.ad  obtained  sufficient  intellectual  training  to  enable 
him  to  successfully  pass  all  the  required  examinations  and  to  ad- 
vance regularly  to  Elder's  Orders. 

Brother  Abercrombie  was  impressed  in  early  life  with  a  call  to 
preach,  and  it  was  a  subject  of  much  prayer  and  earnest  thought. 
But.  feeling  that  his  education  was  so  limited,  and  opportunities  for 
improvement  so  few.  he  tried  to  evade  the  call  on  the  ground  that 
he  was  not  qualified  for  such  a  high  and  holy  work.  God  had  called, 
and  the  effort  to  evade  the  duty  had  its  hurtful  effect  on  the  young 
man's  spiritual  condition.  In  his  neglect  of  this  known  duty,  he 
almost  fell  awaw  but  under  the  ministry  of  Rev.  T.  C.  Ligon  he  was 
fullv  aroused  to  the  nature  of  such  a  call  of  God.  and  decided  to 
enter  the  work  and  do  his  best. 

At  the  session  of  the  Conference  held  m  Camden,  November. 
1889,  he  was  received  on  trial,  with  Albeit  H.  Best.  Rufus  A.  Child. 
T.  R.  Copeland.  Geo.  W.  Davis,  W'm.  H.  Hodges.  Melvin  B.  Kelly, 
John  Manning.  J.  .Marion  Rogers.  John  W.  Shell.  Whitefoord  S. 
Stokes.  Artemas  I'..  Watson,  and  J.  A.  White. 

He  has  served  as  follows:  Oconee  Circuit.  1890:  Scranton  Circuit, 
1891-2:  East  Effingham  Circuit.  1893:  Salter's  Circuit.  1894-6: 
Enoree  Circuit,  1897;  Clyde  Circuit.  1898-9:  Lexington  Fork  Circuit. 
1900-1901.  In  some  of  these  charges  Brother  Abercrombie's  labors 
were  verv  greatlv  blessed  of  the  Lord.  T.esides  being  instrumental 
in  leading  many  to  Christ,  he  greatlv  advanced  the  material  interests 
of  the  charges.  He  has  led  in  the  building  of  several  churches  and 
parsonages.  He  is  making  a  fine  record  in  his  present  charge,  re- 
porting over  twelve  hundred  dollars  for  the  Twentieth  Century 
Fund  alone.  ^ 


lO 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


On  April  26,  1885,  our  good  friend  was  married  to  ■Nliss  Fannie 
Virginia  Salmonds,  of  Bellevue,  S.  C.  Sister  Abercrombie  is  of 
French  descent,  being  closely  connected  with  the  noted  Pool  family. 
She  was  educated  at  Marietta  and  Chick  Springs  Academies,  and  is  a 
helpmeet  indeed  to  her  husband.  Following  are  the  names  of  their 
children :  \\'illie  French.  Nellie  Maude,  Jefferson  Hyde,  Fannie  \  ir- 
ginia,  and  Dorothy  Drew. 

Brother  Abercrombie  is  a  man  of  sound  judgment  and  good,  hard, 
common  sense.  His  sermons  are  plain,  practical  and  sensible,  being 
carefully  thought  out  and  earnestly  delivered.  In  his  own  quiet  way 
he  is  doing  much  good  in  the  ^Master's  cause. 


REV.   0.   M.   ABNEY,   B.   D. 

Rev.  Olympia  McKelvey  Abney,  son  of  Dr.  Ezra  S.  Abney  and 
Mrs.  Mary  Jane  Abney  {ncc  Holeman),  was  born  in  Lexington 
County,  S.  C,  March  8,  1872.  His  paternal  grandparents  were  of 
English  and  French  descent,  his  great-grandparents  having  come  to 


this  country  from  England  and  settled  on  a  grant  of  land  in  what  is 
now  Edgefield  County.  His  maternal  grandparents  were  of  German 
blood  and  natives  of  Lexington  County.  The  father  of  the  subject 
served  in  the  Civil  War,  after  which  he  graduated  at  a  medical  college 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches.  ii 

in  Philadelphia.  Soon  after  graduating  he  married  Miss  Holeman, 
near  Durant,  Miss.,  where  her  father  was  then  living.  Returning 
with  his  happy  bride,  the  Doctor  settled  in  Lexington  Count}-,  where 
the  subject  of  this  paper  was  born.  The  good  Dcxrtor  and  his  de- 
voted wife  still  live  and  now  reside  in  Richland  County.  To  their 
toils  and  sacrifices,  under  God.  our  young  friend  owes  the  thorough 
educational  preparation  he  has  received,  and  no  doubt  he  fully  appre- 
ciates their  kindness.     May  he  ever  prove  worthy  of  such  parents. 

Brother  Abney's  education  began  in  the  home,  and  was  continued 
in  various  schools  in  Lexington  and  Richland  Counties,  until  the  year 
1890.  In  October  of  that  year,  he  matriculated  at  Woflford  College. 
Owing  to  the  fact  that  his  preparatory  education  had  not  been  thor- 
ough, his  first  years  at  college  were  loaded  with  extra  work.  This, 
however,  he  was  able  to  do  and  graduated  in  June,  1894.  While  in 
college  he  was  secretary  of  his  class.  He  did  mission  work  in  Sun- 
day schools  and  prayer  meetings.  For  several  months  after  his 
graduation  he  taught  school  at  Boiling  Spring,  Lexington  County. 
In  the  fall  of  1895  he  entered  the  Theological  Department  of  \'an- 
derbilt  University.  He  made  a  fine  record  here  also,  graduating 
with  honor  in  1898  and  receiving  the  class  medal. 

From  his  earliest  years  Brother  Abnev  felt  inclined  to  the  work 
of  the  ministry.  His  jjarents  l)cing  pious,  devoted  Methodists,  the 
boy's  life  was  surrounded  wiili  the  best  Christian  inMuences.  He 
joined  the  Church  at  old  Harris  Chapel,  in  Ricliland  County  when 
twelve  years  old.  He  was  converted  under  the  ministry  of  Rev.  J- 
W.  Neeley.  At  the  age  of  si.xteen  years  h.is  call  to  preach  became 
distinct  and  unmistakable.  He  fought  against  it.  however,  for  two 
years,  but  finding  that  resistance  was  vain  he  yielded.  He  was 
licensed  to  preach  August  5.  1893,  under  Rev.  K.  T.  Hodges.  Pre- 
siding Elder. 

Soon  after  leaving  X'anderbilt  L'niversity.  in  1898.  Brother  .Vbney 
was  appointed  to  Cartaret  Street  Church,  lieaufort,  S.  C,  to  fill  out 
the  term  of  Rev.  P.  A.  Murra\-.  who  had  been  ajtpointed  to  a  chap- 
laincy in  the  Second  Regiment.  S.  C.  \'olunteers  for  Cuba.  In  De- 
cember of  that  year  he  was  received  on  trial  into  the  Conference,  and 
was  appointed  to  the  Starr  and  Iva  Circuit,  where  he  served  for 
1899-1900.  At  the  recent  session  he  was  appointed  to  West  End, 
Anderson. 

Our  voung  friend  has  the  outlook  of  a  most  successtul  career.  He 
is  diligent  as  a  pastor  and  forceful  as  a  preacher.  He  has  always 
been  pious.  He  is  modest,  but  ]-)Ositive.  Honesty,  sincerity,  truth- 
fulness, dutifulness  and  firnmess  have  ever  marked  his  way.  His 
friends  are  watching  his  career  with  the  most  sanguine  anticipations. 
They  will  not  be  disappointed. 


12  Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 

REV.  J.  F.  ANDERSON. 

The  Rev.  John  Fletcher  Anderson,  the  son  of  Tarplay  and  Louisa 
(]\Ianning)  Anderson,  was  born  in  Anderson  County,  S.  C,  Sept. 
23rd.  1 85 1.  He  had  the  inestimable  benefit  of  an  upright,  faithful, 
consecrated  father  and  a  tender,  self -sacrificing,  saintly  mother.     His 


father  died  in  October.  1882,  his  mother  many  years  later.  To  this 
da\-  the  memory  of  this  hol\-  man  and  woman  is  as  ointment  poured 
forth. 

Reared  in  a  home  of  pietv  and  prayer,  Fletcher  Anderson  was 
early  converted  and  joined  the  Church  of  his  parents,  the  Methodist 
Church,  and  walked  worthy  of  his  vocation.  His  educational  ad- 
vantages were  confined  to  the  schools  of  his  native  county,  but  of 
these  he  made  good  use  and  he  still  continues  a  student.  A  lover 
of  music  and  gifted  with  a  fine  voice,  he  learned  the  principles  of 
harmony  and  taught  vocal  music  for  some  years.  He  entered  rail- 
road service  and  was  operator  and  agent  at  Greenwood  for  about 
four  years.  In  that  town  he  married,  Dec.  21st,  1876,  Miss  Kate  S. 
Richter.  a  gentlewoman  of  sincere  piety  and  solid  sense.  There  are 
five  children  of  this  union  now  living:  Bertha  L..  J.  Courtenay,  Kath- 
leen and  Corinne  (twins)  and  Ruby  Lucile.  In  the  summ^ 
of  1882  his  health  failed  and  he  went  on  a  furlough  to  his  father's 
home.  His  strength  returned  but  he  resigned  and  took  charge  of 
the  farm. 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches.  13 

He  felt  a  call  to  preach  in  early  youth,  hut  did  not  yield  to  it. 
Under  a  sermon  by  the  Rev.  T.  G.  Herbert  on  ".A  Call  to  the  Minis- 
try," preached  October,  1884,  at  Providence  Camp  Meeting  (Ander- 
son County)  he  was  l)rou.s.,dit  to  a  decision  and  was  licensed  the  fol- 
lowing month.  In  December.  1885,  l^*-'  enteretl  the  South  Carolina 
Conference,  in  which  his  appointments  have  been  as  follows:  1886, 
West  Anderson  Circuit;  1887.  Walhalla ;  1888-1891.  Pickens:  1892- 
94,  Fountain  Inn:  1895-1897,  Easley  and  ISethesda;  1898,  Oswego; 
1899-1900,  Leesville. 

Brother  Anderson  is  a  deeply  pious  man.  His  experience  is  clear 
and  satisfying.  He  meekly  professes  full  salvation  and  shows  it  in 
his  life  and  words.  His  closet  of  prayer  and  meditation  is  a  precious 
place,  where  he  goes  often  and  lingers  long.  His  Bible  is  the  Book 
of  Books  and  he  accepts  every  syllabic  of  it.  He  commits  his  way  to 
the  Lord  and  is  led  of  the  Spirit.  His  love  of  God  and  of  his  fellows 
is  profound. 

As  a  preacher,  he  trusts  imi)licitly  to  divine  help  and  is  sometimes 
powerful  in  the  pulpit.  The  writer  heard  him  jjreach  a  sermon  at 
Sandy  Springs  Camp  Meeting  on  "The  Effectual  Fervent  Prayer  of 
a  Righteous  Man  Availeth  ]\Iuch."  which  was  most  remarkable  in 
its  eft'ects.  The  entire  audience — preachers  and  people — was  spell- 
bound, and  yet  the  preacher  was  talking  so  simply  that  a  child  could 
understand  him.  He  was  not  allowed  to  close.  The  pastor  of  Pen- 
dleton, swept  out  of  control,  sprang  up  and  said  "I  can  stand  no 
more.  Brother  Anderson.  let  us  do  some  of  that  praying."  And 
he  and  the  preacher  embraced  each  other,  while  scores  upon  scores 
wept  for  joy.  It  was  not  eloquence.  It  was  far  more :  it  was  a  mes- 
sage of  spiritual  power!  Would  to  God  that  instead  of  striving  for 
lesser  things  all  of  us  would  seek  the  capacity  to  preach  with  such 
power. 


REV.  A.  M.  ATTAWAY. 

Adney  McSwain  Attaway,  eldest  son  of  the  Rev.  John  Attaway, 
was  born  in  Edgefield  District.  S.  C,  on  the  ist  of  October,  i860, 
and  died  ver\'  suddenly  in  Pickens  County,  in  January.  1900. 
Reared  by  a  mother  whose  whole  life  gleamed  with  intelligent  and 
devoted  piety,  and  whose  vigorous  mind  and  stalwart  character 
served  her  well  in  the  necessary  absence  of  her  faithful  itinerant 
husband,  it  is  not  surprising  that  he  was  a  child  of  unexceptionable 
moral  conduct,  and  that  quite  early  in  life  he  was  soundly  con- 
verted, and  joined  the  Church  of  his  parents.  At  the  very  beginning 
of  his  Christian  course  he  felt  the  call  to  the  Gospel  ministry :  but 
his  youth  and  his  innate  modesty  induced  him  to  put  off  this  duty 


14  Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


for  several  years.  In  the  meantime  his  education  was  going  on,  and 
he  entered  Wofford  College,  where  he  passed  creditably  through  the 
Junior  class.  He  was  admitted  into  the  Conference  in  December, 
1885,  and  filled  acceptably  the  several  appointments  to  which  he  was 
assigned.  To  his  logical  mind  and  his  constant  study  of  the  Divine 
Word  were  added  an  attractive  voice  and  a  very  graceful  delivery 
that  rendered  his  preaching  unusually  acceptable  and  efficient.  Es- 
peciallv  were  his  public  prayers  appropriate  and  impressive. 

But  his  pious  mother  was  a  chronic  invalid ;  and  McSwain  in- 
herited some  of  her  physical  feebleness.  More  than  once  his  ardent 
zeal  broke  him  completely  down,  and  forced  him  to  retire  from  what 
became  his  loved  employ;  and  the  heart  failure  which  snatched 
him  away  when  he  ought  to  have  been  in  the  prime  of  manhood 
was  only  the  culmination  of  his  lifetime  weakness.  His  delicate 
widow  and  their  eight  small  children  linger  behind  to  mourn  their 
loss,  consoled  in  their  great  sorrow  by  the  satisfaction  that  he  is  at 
rest  in  his  Heavenlv  Home. 


REV.  A.  W.  ATTAWAY. 

The  life  and  influence  of  John  Attaway,  the  heroic  and  conse- 
crated servant  of  God,  will  be  perpetuated  in  the  lives  and  characters 
of  his  noble  boys.  One  of  the  best  of  these  good  boys  is  the  subject 
of  this  sketch,  Alpheus  W.  Attaway.  He  was  born  in  Edgefield 
County,  S.  C.  August  23,  1863.  His  mother's  name  is  Margaret 
Griffith  Attaway. 

His  primary  education  was  received  from  his  devoted  mother,  who 
was  an  invalid  but  never  too  sick  to  give  the  necessary  attention  to 
her  boy  to  start  in  life  aright.  After  his  preparatory  training,  he 
entered  Wofford  College,  graduating  therefrom  in  June,  1885.  His 
record  in  college,  both  as  a  student  and  as  a  man,  was  worthy  of  the 
honored  name  he  bears. 

Like  many  another.  Brother  Attaway  fought  the  call  to  preach. 
After  leaving  college,  he  began  to  teach  and  had  a  flourishing  school 
in  Orangeburg  County,  but  the  divine  call  to  preach  became  irresist- 
ible, so  he  gave  up  his  school  and  joined  the  South  Carolina  Confer- 
ence in  December,  1886,  John  A.  Rice,  C.  W.  Creighton,  Mark  L. 
Carlisle,  M.  W.  Hook  and  P.  L.  Kirton  joining  at  the  same  time. 
His  labors  since  have  been  as  follows :  Junior  preacher  on  Newberry 
Circuit,  with  M.  M.  Brabham,  1887-8;  Rowesville  Circuit,  1889; 
Lancaster  Circuit,  1890- 1  ;  Leslie  Circuit,  1892.  In  December,  1892, 
he  found  it  necessary  to  take  the  supernumerary  relation.  While 
sustaining  this  relation,  he  taught    school    for    five    years  and  was 


TwKXTiETii  Century  Sketches. 


15 


County  Superintendent  of  Education  for  Anderson  County  for  two 
years.     He  served  Willianiston  Circuit  for  1900. 

On  November  27,  1889.  Brother  Attaway  married  Miss  Bessie 
Cannon,  of  Newberry  County.  S.  C.  Tlieir  first  child  was  bom  Sep- 
tember 16,  1890.  and  died  Deceml)er  8.  1890.  Its  precious  dust  rests 
in  the  villa.q-e  cemetery  at  Lancaster,  S.  C.  They  have  two  children 
living- — Marv  Her])crt.  born  October  10,  1893;  and  Chesley  Cannon, 
born  October  13.  1895. 

Brother  Attaway  is  quiet,  timid,  and  retiring  in  manner,  but  a 
man  of  fine  character.  His  work  has  been  broken  by  feeble  health, 
but  has  not  been  unsuccessful.  The  Lord  has  used  him  for  the  ac- 
complishment of  nuich  g-ood.  His  friends  hope  for  his  restoration 
to  health  and  trust  that  he  will  have  many  years  of  effective  service. 


REV.  JOHN  ATTAWAY. 

No  truer  man  ever  lived  than  John  Attaway.  Every  one  who 
comes  in  touch  with  him  feels  the  impress  of  a  noble  life  and  realizes 
his  nobilitv  of  soul.  He  was  born  in  Edgefield  County  (District). 
October   14,   1835.     He  is  the  son  of  James  Attaway  and  Martha 


Attaway.     His  educational  advantages  were  such   as  the  common 
schools' of  the  dav  afforded,  and  a  while  at  Cokesbury  Conference 


i6  Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 

School.  He  went  to  this  school  after  his  second  marriage,  when 
he  felt  called  to  preach,  in  order,  even  then,  to  better  prepare  him- 
self for  his  life  work. 

After  the  death  of  his  first  wife.  Brother  Attaway  was  converted, 
and  from  that  time  on  illustrated  in  his  life  the  reality  of  the  religion 
of  Christ.  About  two  years  after  his  conversion  he  felt  called  to 
preach  the  Gospel,  and  to  tell  others  of  the  precious  Savior  who  had 
done  so  much  for  him. 

In  1871,  while  on  the  Greenville  Circuit,  he  sought  and  found  the 
blessing  of  "perfect  love,"  or  "entire  sanctification."  This  was  a 
most  wonderful  year  in  the  life  and  labors  of  our  dear  brother. 
During  one  quarter  he  witnessed  two  hundred  and  ninety-five  con- 
versions and  had  one  hundred  and  ninety-five  accessions  to  the 
Church. 

Brother  Attaway  joined  the  South  Carolina  Conference  at  New- 
berry, S.  C,  in  December,  1864,  having  S.  Lander  as  his  Conference 
classmate.  His  labors  have  been  as  follows :  Junior  preacher  on 
Abbeville  Circuit,  1865;  supernumerary,  1866;  Mission  to  Colored 
People  of  Xinety-Six  and  Greenwood,  1867:  Clinton  Circuit,  1868-9; 
Greenville  Circuit,  1870-1  ;  Buenavista.  1872;  Greenville  Circuit, 
1873-4;  Fork  Shoals  Circuit,  1875;  Sandy  Springs  Circuit,  1876-8; 
Pendleton  Circuit,  1879;  Anderson  Circuit,  1880-3;  Brushy  Creek 
Circuit,  1884-5  ;  Little  Pee  Dee  Circuit,  1886;  Lexington  Fork,  1887; 
Clifton  Circuit,  1888;  Belmont  Circuit,  1889;  Santuc  Circuit,  1890-1  ; 
Pacolet  Circuit,  1892;  Anderson  Circuit,  1893;  Blue  Ridge  Circuit, 
1894-5  ;  Anderson  Circuit,  1896-7.  At  the  close  of  1897  Brother 
Attawav  was  placed  on  the  sviperannuate  list,  and  still  holds  that  re- 
lation. Though  unable  to  take  a  charge,  our  dear  friend  still  serves 
the  Lord  by  singing,  praying  and  preaching  when  an  opportunity  is 
afforded.  In  fact,  he  will  never  cease.  His  death  will  only  be  a 
transfer  to  a  better  and  larger  sphere  of  usefulness. 

pjrother  Attaway  has  been  married  three  times.  His  first  mar- 
riage was  to  Lizzie  Clarke,  his  second  to  Margaret  Griffith,  and  his 
third  to  S.  E.  Bagwell.  Of  the  first  union  three  children  were  born, 
all  dying  in  infancy.  Of  the  second,  four  were  born — Lizzie,  A. 
McSwam,  Alpheus  W.  and  I.  Pierce.  Of  the  third,  six  were  born — 
M.  A.,  J.  C,  D.  H.,  Black,  Ida  and  W.  H.  L.  Attaway. 

Though  deprived  of  a  college  training  himself,  our  honored 
brother  has  always  taken  great  interest  in  education,  and  has  done 
much  for  the  cause. 


TWKNTIETH    CkXTUKV    SkETCHKS.  1 7 

REV.  J.  p.  ATTAWAY. 

Rev.  James  Pierce  Attaway,  son  of  Rev.  John  Atta\va\-,  one  of  the 
most  faithful  and  clccj)ly  consecrated  members  of  the  South  CaroHna 
Conference,  and  ]\Irs.  Margaret  Griffith  Attaway,  was  born  in  Abbe- 
ville County,  S.  C,  January  i6,  1867.  Having-  received  his  primary 
training  in  education,  he  entered  the  W'illiamston  Male  Academy, 
Williamston,  S.  C,  where  he  was  educated.  Having  made  good  use  of 
the  advantages  there  offered,  he  learned  to  study  and  to  think  for 
himself,  which  he  has  proceeded  to  do  ever  since. 

Brother  Attaway  was  married  December  29,  1885.  at  Williamston, 
S.  C,  to  Miss  Olivia  Harris,  daughter  of  Mr.  Andrew  Harris  and 
Mrs.  E.  Jane  Harris,  Rev.  Samuel  Lander  performing  the  ceremony. 
Of  this  union  six  children  have  been  born — Hertha,  Maude,  Pierce 
Ligon,  Robert  Yoder.  John  Burgess  and  Andrew  Rollins. 

Some  time  after  his  marriage.  Brother  Attaway  felt  moved  by  the 
Holy  Spirit  to  preach  the  Gospel  of  Christ.  Having  been  convinced 
of  the  reality  of  the  Divine  call,  he  immediately  yielded  and  began 
to  make  preparation  for  the  work. 

He  was  received  on  trial  into  the  South  Carolina  Conference  at 
the  session  held  at  Spartanburg,  December,  1887,  the  following,  wath 
himself,  composing  the  class :  Robt.  L.  Holroyd,  A.  B.  Earle,  W.  E. 
Barre,  James  \\'.  Kilgo,  Watson  B.  Duncan.  John  L.  Harley,  Robt. 
A.  Yongue,  S.  T.  Blackman,  \\'.  L.  \Vait  and  James  E.  Mahaffey. 

He  has  served  as  follows:  Campobcllo  Circuit,  1888-9;  Cherokee 
Circuit,  1 890- 1  :  Richland  Circuit.  1892-3;  Bethany  Circuit,  1894-6; 
Chesterfield  Circuit.  1897-8;  Traveler's  Rest  Circuit,  1899-1900. 

The  ministry  of  our  faithful  brother  has  been  attended  with  much 
success.  His  preaching  is  plain  and  fearless  and  is  fruitful  in  re- 
sults. He  has  had  gracious  revivals  and  has  been  instrumental  in 
adding  many  to  the  Church.  He  is  true  to  his  convictions  of  right 
and  duty,  caring  not  for  place  or  position,  but  only  desiring  a  field  in 
which  to  serve  God.  Xo  doubt  he  will  be  among  the  number  who 
will  hear  the  Master's  '•Well  done"  when  life's  labors  are  over. 


i8 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


REV.   J.   W.   ARIAIL. 

The  subject  of  this  sketch,  Rev.  James  Warren  Ariail,  is  a  Geor- 
gian by  birth,  but  a  South  Carohnian  by  adoption  and  choice.  He 
was  born  in  Guinett  County,  Georgia,  but  was  reared  in  Pickens 
County,  South  Carohna. 


•  ■'"'■  ^  ■■' 

^^^  "^ 

"^^■^U^^B^ 

His  educational  advantages  were  such  as  the  common  and  high 
schools  of  the  day  afforded.  Of  these  he  made  good  use,  and  was 
thus  enabled  to  begin  a  process  of  intellectual  development  which  has 
ever  since  been  carried  on. 

He  was  converted  while  quite  young,  joining  the  Church  at  the 
age  of  sixteen  years. 

Brother  Ariail  joined  the  South  Carolina  Conference  in  December, 
1875,  W.  Smith  Martin,  T.  P.  Phillips  and  K.  C.  Walker  joining  at 
the  same  tirne.  He  has  served  the  following  charges  :  Laurens  Cir- 
cuit, Newberry  Circuit,  Santee  Circuit,  Kershaw  Circuit,  Spring  Hill 
Circuit,  Zoar  Circuit,  Pacolet  Circuit,  York  Circuit,  Edisto  Circuit, 
Blackville  Circuit,  Cokesbury  Circuit,'  Blenheim  Circuit,  Mullins  Cir- 
cuit, Upper  St.  Matthews  and  Bennettsville  Circuit.  In  these  the 
labors  of  our  brother  have  been  blessed  of  God  to  the  salvation  of 
scores  of  souls  and  the  advancement  of  the  Kingdom  of  our  Lord. 

Brother  Ariail  is  an  excellent  preacher.  His  aim  is  not  so  much 
to  please  the  people,  but  to  help  them.     His  sermons  are  practical 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


19 


and  effective,  carrying  conviction  to  the  sinner  and  strength  to  the 
feeble  and  comfort  to  the  sorrowing. 

On  February  12,  1880,  in  the  City  of  Sumter,  S.  C,  Brother  Ariail 
was  married  to  Miss  Carrie  E.  Hodges,  who  has  ever  stood  bravely 
by  his  side  in  all  the  struggles  of  his  itinerancy.  They  have  six 
children  living — Emma,  J.  Milton,  S.  Lallah,  Cauthen  Clyde,  War- 
ren G.  and  Rowena  Agnes. 


REV.  W.  H.  ARIAIL. 

Rev.  William  Hamilton  Ariail,  fifth  child  of  Luke  Ives  and  X'ancy 
P.  Ariail,  was  born  November  i,  1851,  in  Hall  County,  Georgia.  His 
mother's  maiden  name  was  Lesley.  Excellent  blood  flows  in  the 
veins  of  our  brother.     He  is  of  French  descent  on  his  father's  side 


and  Scotch-Irish  on  the  mother's.  His  early  educational  advantages 
were  limited  to  the  usual  schools  of  the  country,  but  he  made  good 
use  of  these  and  has  been  studying  ever  since.  He  regrets  not  hav- 
ing had  a  collegiate  education,  and  has  so  e.xi)ressed  himself  fre- 
quently. He  is,  however,  a  great  advocate  of  higher  education  and 
has  sent  many  students  to  our  colleges. 

Brother  Ariail  joined  the  Church  at  Twelve  Mile  Camp  Ground 
when  about  twelve  years  old,  under  the  ministry  of  Rev.  William 
Bowman,  and  was  converted  some  time  later  under  the  ministrv  of 


20  Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 

Rev.  Fletcher  Smith,  at  Perritt's  Chapel,  Pickens  Circuit.  Soon 
after  his  conversion,  young  Ariail  felt  called  to  preach,  but,  feeling 
his  unworthiness  and  inability,  hesitated  and  strove  to  throw  off  the 
conviction.  He  did  not  realize  then  as  he  does  now  that  a  call  to 
preach  means  a  call  to  prepare  to  preach.  He  entered  the  mercan- 
tile business,  hoping  to  throw  off  the  impression  that  he  ought  to 
preach.  But  the  hand  of  affliction  was  laid  upon  him  and  he  yielded. 
He,  with  his  brother.  Rev.  J.  W.  Ariail,  was  licensed  to  preach  at 
the  Fourth  Quarterly  Conference  of  Pickens  Circuit  for  1874.  In 
December  of  that  year  he  was  admitted  on  trial  into  the  Conference 
at  Greenville,  S.  C,  Bishop  E.  M.  Marvin  presiding.  He  has  served 
the  following  charges:  Junior  preacher  on  Laurens  Circuit,  1875; 
Greenville  City  and  Marietta  Mission,  1876  (but  changed  and  placed 
as  junior  preacher  on  Pickens  Circuit)  :  South  Chesterfield  Circuit, 
1877;  Richland  Fork  Circuit,  1878;  Lancaster.  1879;  Lynchburg  and 
St.  Luke's,  1880;  Hanging  Rock,  1881-3;  Kinard's  Circuit,  1884; 
Tumbling  Shoals,  1885-6;  Reidville  Circuit,  1887;  Blythewood  Cir- 
cuit, 1888;  Colleton  Circuit,  1889-92;  Edgewood,  Columbia,  1893; 
/Abbeville  Circuit,  1894-6;  McCormick  Circuit,  1897-8;  Prosperity 
Circuit,  1899-1900.  For  1901  he  was  appointed  to  North  Rock  Hill 
Circuit  and  has  entered  upon  his  new  year's  work  with  foretokens  of 
success. 

In  all  these  charges  Brother  Ariail  has  had  success,  in  some  of 
them  great  success.  In  several  of  them  he  has  built  beautiful 
churches  and  in  others  handsome  parsonages.  Scores  of  people  have 
been  converted  under  his  ministry,  among  whom  were  W.  B.  Whar- 
ton and  E.  H.  Beckham,  both  of  whom  are  now  valuable  and  popu- 
lar members  of  the  South  Carolina  Conference. 

Brother  Ariail  has  been  twice  married.  On  December  19,  1877, 
he  was  married  to  Miss  Hattie  Elizabeth  Yeargin,  of  Laurens,  S.  C, 
Rev.  J.  B.  Traywick  officiating.  Of  this  union  there  were  four  chil- 
dren;  Bessie  (now  the  wife  of  Rev.  R.  S.  Truesdale  of  the  South 
Carolina  Conference),  Claudius  Herbert,  William  Coke  and  Davis 
Marvin.  The  mother  of  these  died  in  great  peace  August  i,  1886. 
On  September  28,  1887,  he  was  married  to  Miss  N.  E.  Ozella  Daniel, 
daughter  of  Mr.  L.  I.  H.  Daniel,  of  Laurens  County,  and  niece  of 
Drs.  J.  W.  and  W.  W.  and  Rev.  J.  L.  Daniel.  Of  this  union  six  chil- 
dren have  been  born :  Reginald  Stanley,  Wilhelmina,  Moida  Lucile, 
Frances  Kathleen,  Ruth  E.  and  a  little  son  who  died  in  infancy. 

Brother  Ariail  is  a  good,  earnest  preacher.  He  loves  books  and 
knows  how  to  use  them.  His  sermons  are  spiritual,  and  he  feels 
the  message  he  delivers  to  others.  The  South  Carolina  Conference 
has  no  truer  man  than  W.  H.  Ariail. 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches.  21 

REV.  FREDERICK  ATJID. 

Rev.  Frederick  Auld  was  born  in  Laurens.  S.  C,  September  7, 
1834.  A  part  of  bis  cbildbood  was  spent  in  Mobile,  Ala.,  Augusta, 
Ga.,  and  Lincolnton,  Ga.  W'ben  tbe  boy  was  only  six  years  old,  bis 
fatber  died.  This  left  tbe  boy  in  such  a  pecuniary  condition  that  his 
opportunities  were  very  limited,  but  he  had  perseverance  and  deter- 
mination so  he  used  every  privilege  granted  to  better  his  intellectual 
being.  He  learned  the  mechanics'  trade  and  many  a  day  did  be  spend 
in  laboring  for  tbe  support  of  himself  and  others.  In  tbe  early  part 
of  185 1,  young  Auld  was  soundly  converted  and  joined  the  church. 
This  was  under  the  ministry  and  influence  of  the  late  Rev.  Samuel 
Leard,  one  of  the  truest  and  best  men  ever  produced  in  South  Car- 
olina. 

In  tbe  fall  of  1858,  Mr.  Auld  was  licensed  to  preach  and  was 
recommended  for  admission  on  trial  into  the  Conference.  In  the  fol- 
lowing December  be  was  admitted.  On  the  iStb  of  that  month,  the 
young  Methodist  preacher  mounted  his  horse  as  a  "Circuit  Rider." 
No  truer  man  ever  mounted  on  itinerant  steed.  With  fear  and  trem- 
bling be  left  his  mother's  home  in  Laurens  and  rode  away  to  his  first 
appointment — tbe  old  Savannah  River  ^Mission,  lying  in  tbe  rice 
fields  along  the  river  opposite  the  City  of  Savannah.  Going  to  live 
and  labor  in  such  a  sicklv  region,  he  felt  tiiat,  as  he  bade  the  loved 
ones  good-bve,  be  was  bidding  them  a  final  adieu.  He  not  only  sur- 
vived that  year,  but  all  the  intervening  ones  and  still  lives  to  bless  the 
church  with  his  Christian  influence. 

He  has  served  the  following  charges :  Sa^■annah  River  Mission, 
1859;  Black  Swamp  Circuit,  1860-1  ;  Greenville  Station.  1862-3; 
Charleston,  1864.  (He  was  appointed  to  Charleston  with  Rev.  E.  J. 
Meynardie  as  senior  preacher,  but  soon  after  bis  appointment  he 
entered  the  Confederate  army  as  chaplain  of  the  Twenty-Fourth 
South  Carolina  regiment,  Bishop  Ellison  Capers  of  the  Episcopal 
Church  was  colonel  of  the  regiment ) .  Marion  Street,  Columbia,  1865  ; 
Reedy  River  Circuit.  1866-9;  Orangeburg  Circuit,  1870;  Orange- 
burg Station,  1871-3;  Lynchburg  Circuit,  1874;  Sumter  Station, 
1875;  Little  Rock  Circuit,  1876-8:  St.  Txlattbews  Circuit,  1879-82; 
Bamberg  Circuit,  1883-4:  Allendale  Circuit.  1885:  Lowndesville  Sta- 
tion, 1886:  Greenwood  Circuit.  1887-8:  Clio  Circuit,  1889-90.  In 
February  of  his  second  year  on  the  Clio  Circuit,  Brother  Auld  ex- 
perienced a  fall  from  bis  buggy  which  proved  so  serious  that  it  ended 
his  active  ministry.  Ir.  the  following  April  he  moved  to  Williamston, 
thence,  in  1894,  to  Greenwood  where  he  still  lives. 

In  October,  1865.  Brother  Auld  was  married  at  Newberry,  S.  C, 
to  Miss  Emma  F.  Zimmerman,  oldest  daughter  of  Rev.  J-  H.  Zim- 
merman, of  precious  memory.  The  sainted  Sidi  H.  Browne  per- 
formed the  ceremonw     (  )f  this  marriage  ten   chiUlren   were  born. 


22 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


Four  of  the  children  died  in  infancy ;  one  daughter,  Fannie  Dibble, 
died  at  tlie  age  of  twenty-one.  The  eldest  boy,  William  Zimmerman, 
is  on  the  Pacific  coast.  Two  boys,  Olin  and  Fred,  are  in  the  mercan- 
tile business  at  Greenwood,  S.  C.  The  youngest  son,  Marvin,  is  at 
Wofford  College  and  will  graduate  in  June,  1901.  The  daughter, 
]\Iiss  Mary  L.,  lives  with  her  parents  at  Greenwood  and  is  a  loving 
aaid  thoughtful  child. 

Our  dear  brother  is  nearing  the  end  of  the  journey,  but  the  way 
grows  brighter  and  brighter  as  the  days  go  by.  He  who  so  faithfully 
labored  during  his  active  years,  now  patiently  and  submissively  suf- 
fers the  will  of  God.  May  he  who  so  earnestly  preached  the  Gos- 
pel of  comfort  to  others  now  have  the  Everlasting  Arms  to  sustain 
him  as  he  slowly  journeys  onward. 


REV.  J.  W.  BAILEY. 

Rev.  John  Wesley  Bailey  was  born  in  Spartanburg  County,  May 

28,  1869.     He  was  the  youngest  of  a  family  of  four  children,  whose 

parents  died  before  the  youngest  was  two  years  of  age.     At  five 

years  of  age,  he  was  adopted  by  Samuel  and  Xancy  Lominnick,  in 


Union  County,  with  whom  he  remained  as  a  dutiful  son,  working  on 
the  farm  for  a  livelihood  for  himself  and  the  two  "old  people"  until 
he  was  twenty-one  years  of  age.     During  this  time,  he  utilized  every 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches.  23 


opportunity  for  an  education,  sucli  onl\-  as  the  common  scliools  af- 
forded. 

After  he  was  twenty-one  years  of  age,  he  spent  two  years  ( 189 1-2) 
in  school  at  \\'atkinsville,  Ga.,  the  second  year  with  a  view  of 
entering  Emory  College.  But  having  married  a  wife  at  the  close 
of  the  second  year,  he  returned  to  his  native  State.  Mr.  Bailey  was 
reared  by  a  true  Christian  woman,  after  the  good  old  Methodist  type, 
who  prayed,  sang  and  shouted  the  love  of  Methodism  indelil)ly  into 
his  young  heart.  At  an  early  age  he  united  with  the  Methodist  Pro- 
testant Church.  He  was  converted  in  August.  1884,  and  was 
granted  license  to  preach  in  September.  1889.  As  a  preacher  he  soon 
learned  from  history,  observation  and  experience  that  his  Church, 
as  a  denomination,  had  long  since  reached  its  full  stature,  and  that 
the  efforts,  even  of  the  most  zealous  worker,  was  only  a  waste  of 
time,  and  loss  of  energy. 

Therefore,  in  the  fall  of  1893,  he  with  others,  hoping  to  better 
their  condition,  united  with  the  Wesleyan  Methodist  Church,  where- 
in it  required  only  a  few  months  to  reveal  the  fact  that  the  last  state 
was  worse  than  the  first.  It  was  at  this  point  that  Mr.  Bailey  began 
a  close  study  of  men,  and  Church  history,  to  find  out,  if  possible,  as 
he  expressed  it,  "Who  I  am.  where  I  am  and  what  I  am."  In  less 
than  one  year  he  had  fully  solved  the  problem  and  had  resolved  in 
his  mind  the  thing  he  would  do.  But  he  was  not  hasty  in  this  mat- 
ter ;  for  four  years  he  held  the  question  under  careful  and  prayerful 
consideration,  that  he  might  be  well  assured  in  his  own  mind.  Con- 
sequently, after  having  served  the  Wesleyan  Methodist  Church  six 
years  with  marked  success,  he  was  dismissed  in  order  by  the  Annual 
Conference  of  the  Church  of  which  he  was  a  member,  having  been 
ordained  Elder  in  1895.  He  was  dismissed  as  an  Elder  in  good 
standing  by  the  Conference  held  at  Central,  S.  C.  1899,  and  was  re- 
ceived Tnto  full  connection  by  the  South  Carolina  Annual  Confer- 
ence, M.  E.  Church,  South,  held  at  Orangeburg,  S.  C,  December, 
1899.  He  was  assigned  by  Bishoj)  J.  S.  Key  to  the  Townville  Cir- 
cuit, this  being  his  first  work. 

Mr.  Bailey  was  twice  married.  Eirst  to  Miss  Anna  M.  Baird.  of 
Oconee  Countv,  Ga..  July  14.  1892.  Mrs.  Bailey  died  near  Easley, 
S.  C,  Oct.  6,  1893,  leaving  an  infant  daughter,  Anna  Lee,  born  Sept. 
30,  1893.  He  was  married  the  second  time  to  Miss  Laura  E.  Lind- 
sey,  of  Oconee  County,  S.  C.  July  12,  1894.  One  son  was  born  to 
this  marriage — George  Carradine,  born  Aug.  2^^.  1895. 


*to^ 


24 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


REV.  W.   B.   BAKEE. 

William  Bennett  Baker,  son  of  William  B.  Baker,  was  born  in 
Marion  County,  S.  C,  November  i,  1841.  His  mother's  maiden 
name  was  Miss  Lenora  Adaline  Davis. 

Mr.  Baker's  educational  advantages  were  limited,  being  such  as 
were  afforded  bv  the  common  schools  of  the  countrv  in  which  he 


was  reared.  Tn  his  boyhood  he  had  a  burning  desire  for  a  collegiate 
education,  but  the  realization  of  his  desire  was  prevented  by  the  Civil 
war,  at  the  beginning  of  which  young  Baker  laid  himself  on  the 
altar  of  his  country  and  entered  bravely  into  the  struggle. 

When  quite  a  boy,  the  subject  of  this  sketch  felt  impressed  that 
some  day  he  would  have  to  preach  the  Gospel.  This  impression,  at 
first,  had  the  effect  of  driving  him  away  from  the  Church.  He  felt 
that  if  converted  he  would  have  to  yield  to  the  call.  In  the  fall  of 
i860  he  was  converted  at  Centenary  Camp  Meeting,  in  Marion 
County,  S.  C.  Soon  after  his  conversion,  he  heard  the  unmistakable 
call  to  the  ministry  and  was  assured  of  his  life-work.  But  it  was  not 
long  after  this  that  he  entered  the  army.  During  the  whole  four 
years  of  demoralizing  army  life,  young  Baker  maintained  his  relig- 
ious integrity  and  never  doubted  his  call  to  preach.  Near  the  close 
of  the  war  he  returned  home  as  a  parole  prisoner.  On  April  5,  1867, 
Mr.  Baker  was  married  to  Miss  Louisa  Matilda  LeGette,  daughter 
of  Rev.  David  LeGette  and  ]\Iartha  A.  LeGette.     To  them  nine  chil- 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches.  2 


-D 


dren  were  horn,  three  of  whom  died  while  quite  young.  The  Hving 
are:  Anna  Gertrude,  llannihal  LeGette,  Mattie  Florence,  Carrie 
Belle.  Pauline  \\'ightnian,  and  William  Boyd. 

Just  after  his  marriage,  he  located  on  a  farm,  expecting  to  lead  a 
quiet  retired  life,  hut  preaching  was  on  his  mind.  He  did  his  utmost 
to  drive  away  that  impression  that  he  should  jn-each,  hut  he  could 
not.  Finally  he  realized  that  it  was  either  go  preach  or  be  lost !  He 
was  licensed  to  exhort  at  old  Ariel  Church,  Marion  County,  on  April 
10,  1874,  hoping  to  ease  his  conscience  by  serving  the  Lord  in  this 
capacity.  lUit  he  could  not.  He  was  licensed  to  preach  at  Soule's 
chapel.  April  24,  1875.  He  first  thought  he  would  remain  in  the 
local  ranks,  hut  found  this  would  not  satisfy  the  demands  of  God 
upon  him.  He  must  hecome  an  itinerant.  Under  a  sermon  preached 
by  Rev.  J.  Marion  Boyd.  ]Mr.  Baker  made  the  final  decision.  He 
was  admitted  into  the  South  Carolina  Conference  at  Charleston,  S. 
C,  in  December.  1884. 

Mr.  Baker  has  served  the  following  charges :  Bayboro  Circuit, 
T885-6:  Johnsonville  Circuit,  1887-9;  Lake  City  Circuit,  1890-3; 
Scranton  Circuit,  1894:  Lamar  Circuit,  1895;  Green  Street  and 
Brookland,  Columbia,  1896-8;  Brightsville  Circuit,  1899-1900.  being 
there  at  this  writing.  In  all  of  these  charges,  Mr.  Baker  has  labored 
with  great  fidelity  and  acceptability.  His  ministry  has  been  pecu- 
liarly successful.  Mr.  Baker  is  a  great  revivalist.  He  preaches,  at 
times,  with  great  power.  He  expects  to  see  souls  converted,  and  is 
not  disappointed. 


REV.  NICHOLAS  G.  BALLENGER. 

The  Rev.  Nicholas  G.  Ballenger,  the  son  of  James  Alexander  and 
Maria  Eunice  Ballenger,  was  bom  in  Pickens  County,  near  twelve 
mile  cam])  ground,  on  the  14th  of  September,  1857.  Flis  education 
was  obtained  chiefly  from  the  schools  around  his  home  and  has  been 
carried  on  in  his  later  life  to  manifest  advantage.  He  joined  the 
Church  in  early  youth  and  was  converted.  His  call  to  preach  came 
after  he  was  a  man  of  family.  He  hesitated,  but  at  last  yielded  to 
the  conviction  of  duty,  asked  and  received  license  and  was  admitted 
to  the  South  Carolina  Conference  in  November,  1888.  His  appoint- 
ments have  been  :  Fountain  Inn  Circuit,  Easley  Circuit,  Anderson 
Circuit,  Leesville  Circuit,  and  Graniteville  Circuit. 

In  all  these  charges  he  was  faithful  and  successful — indeed,  he 
was  more  than  faithful,  for  he  worked  beyond  his  strength.  Tiiere 
can  be  no  doubt  that  the  failure  of  his  health  and  his  temporary 
superannuation  came  through  his  self-sacrificing  labors.  This  work 
was  not  in  vain.    Sinners  were  converted,  persons  joined  the  Church. 


26  Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 

and  Church  members  were  built  up  in  the  faith.  The  material 
interests  of  his  charges  were  also  promoted. 

One  instance  was  remarkable.  Their  efforts  to  build  a  Church 
had  miscarried  more  than  once  and  the  people  despaired  of  success. 
After  due  announcement  he  took  an  axe  and  went  into  the  forest, 
along  with  a  few  faithful  ones,  felled  the  trees  which  were  sawed 
into  lumber  and  carried  to  the  appointed  site  and  there  fashioned  into 
a  Sanctuary  for  the  Most  High.  Today  a  beautiful  Church  stands 
there,  a  monument  to  the  energy  and  devotion  of  our  brother  and 
his  people. 

This  is  but  one  instance  in  a  life  which  has  been  all  given  to  God. 
He  gave  his  means  as  freely  as  he  consecrated  his  strength  of  body 
and  soul.  When  he  entered  the  Conference  he  owned  a  valuable 
little  farm  which  he  was  conducting  successfully.  That  has  been  sold 
and  the  proceeds  have  all  been  used  in  supplementing  his  salaries — 
his  family  being  large  and  salaries  sometimes  small. 

Brother  Ballenger  prepares  his  sermons  carefully  and  delivers 
them  with  earnestness  and  with  power  from  on  High.  As  a  pastor 
he  is  unwearying,  often  visiting  the  sick  when  he  is  really  feebler 
than  those  upon  whom  he  calls. 

On  the  7th  day  of  November,  1878,  at  Mountain  Rest,  S.  C,  he 
married  Miss  Ella  P.  Herndon.  Of  this  union  nine  children  were 
born — Lula  Marie,  Lillian  Rhoda,  Eva  May,  Samuel  H.,  Mamie 
Belle,  Ruth  E.,  Nina  Grady,  Nicholas  Grady,  Clara  Beth. 

Brother  Ballenger  is  now  conducting  a  little  farm  not  far  from 
Graniteville,  and  is  improving  in  strength  and  health.  It  is  to  be 
hoped  that  he  can  soon  be  able  to  resume  his  loved  employ.  It 
is  a  great  loss  when  a  man  like  Nicholas  Ballenger  should  have  to 
stand  aside  from  preaching  the  Word. 


REV.    MARTIN   LUTHER   BANKS. 

Rev.  Martin  Luther  Banks,  son  of  Amos  Banks  and  Catherine 
Long  Banks,  was  born  March  18,  1823.  His  mother  died  when  he 
was  only  seven  days  old.  His  early  educational  advantages  were 
only  ordinary,  he  having  access  to  such  common  schools  as  existed 
fifty  and  sixty  years  ago.  Besides  the  three  R's,  the  boys  of  that 
day  studied  such  as  history,  geography  and  English  grammar.  But 
young  Banks  made  good  use  of  these  meager  opportunities  and  laid 
the  foundation  for  a  continuous  training  and  culture  which  followed. 

He  was  early  impressed  with  a  Divine  call  to  preach,  to  which  he 
finally  yielded,  and  was  licensed  to  preach  at  the  first  Quarterly  Con- 
ference of  the  Barnwell  Circuit  in  1847.  He  was  immediately  em- 
ployed as  a  supply.     In  January,  1848,  he  was  admitted  on  trial  into 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches.  27 

the  South  Carohna  Conference,  and  has  served  as  follows :  W'inns- 
boro,  1848;  Edisto  Mission,  1849;  Cypress  Circuit,  1850;  Savannah 
River  Mission,  1851  ;  Cooper  River  Circuit,  1852;  Columbia  Circuit, 
1853;  Waccamaw  Mission.  1854;  Black  River  Circuit,  1855-6;  Or- 
angeburg Circuit,  1857;  Combahee  ^Mission,  1858-62:  W'alterboro 
Circuit,  1863-6;  Blackville,  1867;  Bennettsville,  1868;  supernumer- 
ary, 1869;  superannuate,  1870-1  ;  Johnsonville  Circuit,  1872;  Black 
Swamp  Circuit,  1873-4;  Edisto  Circuit,  1875;  Lewisville  Circuit 
(now  Upper  St.  Matthews),  1876-8;  North  Newberry  Circuit,  1879; 
Tumbling  Shoals  Circuit,  1880-1  ;  Lowndesville  Station,  1882-5; 
Lower  Darlington  Circuit,  1886;  Bucksville  Station,  1887-8;  Orange 
Circuit,  1889-90;  Fort  ]\Iott  Circuit,  1891-2.  At  the  close  of  this 
last  year  Brother  Banks  was  placed  on  the  superannuate  list,  where 
he  has  remained  ever  since. 

Thus  it  will  be  seen  that  our  good  brother  has  been  a  member  of 
the  Conference  fifty-one  years,  forty-one  of  which  were  effective 
and  ten  non-effective. 

On  November  8,  1854,  he  was  married  to  Miss  Ann  Amelia 
Skinner,  of  Georgetown  County,  S.  C,  Rev.  C.  H.  Pritchard  per- 
forming the  ceremony.  Of  this  union  the  following  children  were 
born:  Ella  Louisa  (now  ]\Irs.  W.  \V.  Wannamaker),  William 
Franklin,  James  Arthur,  Albert  Sidney,  ]Mary  Elizabeth  (now  Mrs. 
\\'imberly),  Martha  Jane  (now  ]\Irs.  A.  K.  Smoke),  ]\Iartin  Luther, 
Jr.,  now  a  member  of  the  South  Carolina  Conference. 

Our  good  brother  has  a  long  and  honorable  record  behind  him, 
one  of  which  any  man  might  justly  feel  proud.  He  joined  the  Con- 
ference and  entered  upon  his  itinerant  career  in  those  days  when 
men's  souls  were  severely  tried,  and  when  the  very  foundations  of 
character  were  tested  to  their  depths.  But  he  stood  the  test  and 
bravely  and  successfully  fought  the  battles  and  won  the  victories. 
He  now  patiently  waits  an  honorable  discharge  from  the  service 
below  that  he  mav  enter  the  nobler  service  above. 


REV.  M.  I.  BANKS.  JR. 

It  was  the  most  natural  thing  in  the  world  that  the  subject  of  this 
sketch,  Rev.  Martin  Luther  Banks,  Jr.,  should  become  a  preacher. 
He  is  the  son  of  Rev.  AL  L.  Banks,  an  honored  member  of  the  South 
Carolina  Conference,  and  Mrs.  Ann  Amelia  Banks.  He  was  born 
December  3.  1869. 

Brother  Banks  has  had  excellent  educational  advantages.  After 
attending  various  common  and  preparatory  schools,  he  entered  the 
Woft'ord  College  Fitting  School,  in  February.  1889.  The  next  year 
was  spent  under  Prof.  H.  G.  Sheridan,  at  Orangeburg.     He  entered 


28  Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 

the  Freshman  class  of  Wofford  College  in  1890  and  graduated  from 
that  institution  in  June,  1894.  He  has  thus  thoroughly  laid  the 
foundation  upon  which  he  is  carefully  erecting  the  superstructure 
of  learning  and  scholarship. 

Brother  Banks  felt  the  call  to  preach  from  his  very  childhood,  and 
Samuel-like,  he  answered,  "Speak,  Lord;  for  Thy  servant  heareth." 

He  was  admitted  mto  the  Conference  in  December,  1894,  with 
Connor  B.  Burns,  Robert  C.  Boulware,  Henry  J.  Cauthen,  Waddy 
T.  Duncan,  William  S.  Goodwin,  E.  S.  Jones,  W.  A.  Kelly,  S.  A. 
Nettles,  W.  A.  Pitts,  J.  R.  Sojourner,  W.  J.  Snyder  and  P.  B.  Wells. 
His  appointments  have  been  as  follows :  Cedar  Creek  Circuit, 
1895-6;  Langley  Circuit,  1897;  Lexington  Fork  Circuit,  1898;  Fair- 
field Circuit,  1899;  Belmont  Circuit,  1900-1901. 

Brother  Banks  was  married  March  24,  1898,  in  Washington  Street 
Church,  to  Miss  Maud  Dickson,  daughter  of  Rev.  J.  Walter  Dickson, 
of  the  South  Carolina  Conference.  The  ceremony  was  impressively 
performed  by  the  bride's  father.  They  have  two  swxet  children — 
Walter  Dickson  and  Alartin  Luther. 

Brother  Banks  is  one  of  our  best  young  men,  modest  and  retiring, 
yet  zealous  and  active,  ever  toiling  to  accomplish  the  purpose  of  a 
true  Methodist  preacher's  mission  in  the  world.  His  labors  are 
efifective,  and  he  is  making  a  good  record. 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


29 


REV.  E.  W.  BARBER. 

Rev.  Robert  Walter  Barber,  son  of  Mr.  William  G.  Barber  and 
Mrs.  Alice  Cloud  Barber,  was  born  May  3,  1847. 

His  preparatory  education  was  received  in  Oak  Grove,  Academy, 
Chester  Countv,  S.  C.     After  his  schoolinj:;-  here  he  matriculated  at 


Wofiford  Colleg-c,  Spartanluirg,  S.  C,  in  October,  1867,  and  grad- 
uated therefrom  in  June,  1871. 

The  divine  call  to  the  ministry  came  to  Brother  Barber  during  his 
senior  year  at  Wofford.  Thus  as  he  was  finishing  the  course  of  in- 
tellectual development,  God  laid  claim  to  the  well-equipped  mind  for 
the  purpose  of  pouring  into  it  divine  truth  and  using  it  as  a  medium 
of  communicating  that  truth  to  others.  He  was  licensed  to  preach 
August  26.  1 87 1,  on  East  Chester  Circuit.  Rev.  Sidi  H.  Browne 
being  Presiding  Elder.  He  taught  two  years  in  W'illiamston  Female 
College — one  before  and  one  after  joining  the  Conference. 

Brother  Barber  joined  the  South  Carolina  Conference  in  Decem- 
ber, 1872,  J.  C.  Davis,  C.  D.  Mann.  G.  H.  Pooser,  and  \V.  A.  Rogers 
joining  at  the  same  time. 

He  has  labored  as  follows:  Williamston  Female  College,  1873; 
Pickens  Circuit.  1874;  Cokesbury  Station.  1875:  Cane  Creek  Circuit, 
1876;  Rock  Hill,  1877;  Orangeburg  Circuit,  1878:  supernumerary, 
1879-82;  North  Laurens  Circuit,  1883:  supernumerary.  1884-7  (dur- 
ing this  period  he  taught  school  at  Landrum.  S.  C.)  :  Seneca  Circuit, 


30  Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 

1888;  Westminster  Circuit,  1889;  Manning  Station,  1890;  Brights- 
ville  Circuit,  1891-2;  Little  Rock  Circuit,  1893-5;  Branchville  Cir- 
cuit, 1896;  Williamston,  1897;  Timmonsville  Circuit,  1898-9;  Hick- 
ory Grove,  1900;  Blackstock,  1901.  Much  of  the  time  our 
good  brother  has  been  in  poor  heahh.  Many  a  time  a  change  be- 
came necessary  by  reason  of  this.  Notwithstanding  his  feeble  con- 
dition at  times,  he  has  ever  gone  on  heroically  serving  the  Lord  and 
faithfully  preaching  the  Word  of  God.  He  is  a  most  excellent 
preacher,  his  sermons  always  showing  evidences  of  deep  thought 
and  thorough  preparation.  He  is  one  of  those  heroic  souls  who  are 
not  afraid  of  the  truth,  either  in  the  search  for  it  or  in  its  proclama- 
tion. In  the  social  circle  he  is  pleasant  and  entertaining,  ever  ready 
to  intelligently  discuss  a  subject,  yet  never  monopolizing  the  con- 
versation. 

Brother  Barber  was  exceedingly  fortunate  in  his  marriage,  suc- 
ceeding in  securing  a  charming  companion  and  practical  helpmeet. 
He  was  married  December  23,  1874,  to  ]\Iiss  Mamie  Hill,  daughter 
of  Mr.  C.  J.  Hill  and  Mrs.  M.  E.  Hill  of  Greenville,  S.  C.  They 
have  four  children :  C.  H.  Barber,  M.  L.  Barber,  A.  J.  Barber  and 
H.  C.  Barber. 


REV.  W.  E.  BARRE. 

Rev.  Wesley  E.  Barre  was  born  in  Edgefield  County,  South  Caro- 
lina, on  August  II,  1 85 1. 

After  his  preparatory  training,  he  matriculated  at  Wofiford  Col- 
lege, from  which  institution  he  graduated  in  due  course  of  time. 

Brother  Barre  was  admitted  into  the  South  Carolina  Conference 
in  December,  1887,  with  Robt.  L.  Holroyd,  Alston  B.  Earle,  James 
W.  Kilgo,  Watson  B.  Duncan,  John  L.  Harley,  Robt.  A.  Yongue, 
Samuel  T.  Blackman,  J.  Pierce  Attaway,  Washington  L.  Wait  and 
James  E.  INIahaffey.  He  served  East  Kershaw  2  years;  Oakland, 
4  years ;  Santuc,  i  year ;  Kinards,  2  years ;  Conway  Circuit,  3  years ; 
Britton's  Neck,  2  years. 

On  December  24,  1874,  he  was  married  to  Aliss  Nettie  Barre. 
They  have  had  six  children  born  unto  them — Ira  S.,  Lula  C,  May 
Delle,  Edna  B.,  W.  Olin  and  Julian  E.  The  last  named  has  passed 
into  the  home  beyond. 

Brother  Barre  is  an  earnest  preacher  and  pastor,  ever  striving  to 
do  the  full  work  of  a  Methodist  preaclier  as  he  sees  it. 


Twentieth  Centlkv  Sketches. 


31 


REV.  H.  W.  BAYS. 

liezekiah  \\'fbb  Bays,  A.  'Si.,  D.  D..  was  born  in  Russell  County, 
\'irginia,  about  fifty-four  years  ago.  He  is  now  in  tlie  prime  of  a 
vigorous  physical  and  inlellectual  manliood.  He  was  well  born.  The 
son  of  James  Jasper  llavs  and  Mary  W'elib,  he  inherited  from  his 


father  the  military,  and  from  his  mother  the  literary  instinct.  His 
great  grandfather,  Peter  Bays,  originally  from  South  Carolina,  was 
a  captain  in  the  Revolutionary  war.  and  was  in  the  battles  of  King's 
Mountain.  Cowpens  and  Camden.  His  mother  was  a  descendant  of 
an  old  English  family  of  literary  note,  a  cultured  and  devotedly  pious 
woman.  To  her  godly  influence  the  doctor  lovingly  attributes  all 
he  is,  and  has  done.  In  his  boyhood  he  had  strong  leaning  to  a  mili- 
tai .'  life,  but  she  kept  him  from  entering  the  army  as  a  business. 
Reared  by  this  intelligent  and  godly  woman,  the  son  was  converted 
the  13th  of  February,  1861,  and  joined  the  Methodist  Church  the 
same  dav.  In  1862  he  enlisted  in  the  Confederate  army  and  was  a 
good  soldier  for  more  than  tliree  years.  Because  of  conspicuous 
ga.'lantrv  on  the  bloody  field  of  Chickamauga  he  was  promoted  to 
the  position  of  assistant  adjutant  on  the  staff  of  Gen.  William  E. 
Preston.  He  was  educated  at  Emory  and  Henry  College,  from 
which  institution  he  received  his  A.  M.  degree. 


32  Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 

He  was  licensed  to  preach  January  12th,  1867,  and  entered  the 
Holston  Conference  in  October  of  the  same  year.  For  20  or  more 
years  he  remained  in  this  Conference,  fining  some  of  its  most  import- 
ant stations,  among  which  were  Wytheville.  Cleveland,  Bristol  and 
Knoxville.  From  an  early  period  in  his  ministry  he  was  in  great  de- 
mand for  special  occasions,  such  as  college  commencements  and 
church  dedications.  While  at  Knoxville  he  built  the  elegant  church 
on  Broad  street  and  Fifth  avenue,  one  of  the  best  in  Southern  Meth- 
odism. The  lot  and  building  cost  over  $35,000.  During  his  min- 
istry there  about  $55,000  were  added  to  the  material  possessions  of 
the  church. 

Ten  years  ago  he  was  transferred  to  the  Western  North  Carolina 
Conference  and  stationed  at  Concord,  where  he  had  two  useful  years, 
havmg  paid  off  a  troublesome  church  debt  of  long  standing,  and  built 
Bays'  Chapel,  which  has  since  developed  into  an  independent  charge. 
Flo  was  tiitn  transferred  to  the  South  Carolina  Conference  and  sta- 
tioned at  Abbeville.  For  three  years  he  served  this  charge  with  con- 
spicuous ability  and  great  usefulness  to  the  church.  He  was  then 
sent  to  Bethel,  Charleston,  where  he  served  a  full  pastoral  term  of 
four  years,  with  his  usual  popularity  and  usefulness,  and  from  which 
lie  was  appointed  to  the  Rock  Hill  District.  He  is  now  closing  his 
first  }ear  as  Presiding  Elder.  It  has  been  a  year  full  of  work,  but 
rendered  with  marked  ability  and  eminent  satisfaction  to  both  preach- 
cis  and  people.  He  has  shown  himself  a  man  of  affairs,  as  well  as  a 
strong  and  popular  preacher. 

Dr.  Bays  is  a  kinsman  of  the  late  Wm.  E.  Alunsey,  D.  D.,  that 
prince  of  pulpit  preachers,  and  possesses  much  of  the  power  of  elo- 
quence characteristic  of  that  distinguished  orator.  Besides  being  a 
speaker  of  rare  ability,  the  doctor  is  a  congenial,  scholarly.  Christian 
gentleman. 

On  October  i,  1868,  he  was  married  to  Miss  Frances  Virginia 
Herbert,  of  Clay  County,  N.  C.  Their  children  are :  ]\Iargaret  Al- 
ston, Willie  Frances,  May  Herbert,  and  Lucy  Tom. 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


33 


REV.  JOHN  E.  BEARD. 

On  July  17,  1856,  Rev.  John  Edward  Beard  was  born.  His  father, 
a  sturdy,  noble  and  devout  man,  lived  in  the  city  of  Cokunbia,  S.  C. 
Here  the  subject  of  this  sketch  first  saw  the  light  of  earth.  His 
childhood  was  similar  to  that  of  all  Southern  boys.     Early  piety  was 


one  of  its  marked  characteristics  and  another  was  his  intense  thirst 
for  knowledge.  Even  during  his  early  years  he  delighted  in  reading 
the  most  solid  works.  History  and  biography  occupied  no  small 
place. 

When  about  twenty  years  old  a  protracted  meeting  was  held  at  the 
^Marion  Street  Church,  in  Columbia,  Dr.  George  Pierce  conducting 
the  revival. At  this  time  he  was  thoroughly  converted.  He  knew  in 
whom  he  believed.  Only  a  short  time  subsequently  he  felt  '"the  call 
to  preach."  To  him  a  call  meant  to  prepare  to  preach,  and  to  Wof- 
ford  College  he  went  for  several  years  and  then  to  Vanderbilt  Uni- 
versity. Ill  health  prevented  his  graduation.  At  the  Conference 
held  at  Union,  in  1881  he  was  admitted  on  trial.  He  was  assigned 
to  the  Bennettsville  Circuit.  In  1882  he  was  married  to  Miss  Xannie 
C.  Easterling.  To  them  eight  children  have  been  born  and  of  this 
number  one  is  at  home  with  God. 

I.  As  a  man.  Rev.  John  E.  Beard  is  social,  friendly  and  entertain- 
ing. While  in  his  companv  vou  realize  that  he  is  true  and  honest. 
3-S. 


34 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


No  slanderous  word  proceeds  out  of  his  lips.  In  your  absence  he 
would  never  give  your  reputation  a  fatal  stab.  Only  cowards  do 
this.  He  is  not  a  coward,  but  a  brave,  manly  Christian.  When  in 
trouble  you  will  find  him  ready  to  help  and  comfort.  He  is  truly  a 
"friend  in  deed." 

2.  As  a  Christian,  he  walks  daily  with  God.  His  experience  in 
prayer  has  been  truly  wonderful.  Sometimes  he  has  lived  almost 
in  the  borderland  of  the  supernatural. 

3.  As  a  preacher,  he  is  first-class.  His  sermons  are  splendidly 
prepared  and  delivered  with  great  force  and  unction.  Our  Confer- 
ence has  few  if  any  better  preachers  than  John  E.  Beard.  Success 
crowns  his  efiforts.  The  people  listen,  heed  and  are  led  to  the  Cross 
of  Christ.  His  spiritual  children  are  numbered  by  the  thousands. 
Being  now  in  the  very  prime  of  life,  our  Conference  can  look  for 
many  years  of  magnificent  work  at  his  hands.  We  will  risk  nothing 
to  send  him  to  any  charge  in  the  State.  Where  he  goes  God  will 
give  him  success. 


REV.  J.  S.  BEASLEY. 

Among  the  most  faithful  and  useful  members  of  the  South  Caro- 
lina Conference  must  be  placed  the  name  of  Rev.  J.  Sidney  Beasley. 


He  is  the  son  of  Mr.  Reuben  Beasley  and  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Josey 
Beasley,  being  the  fourth  in  a  family  of  ten  children,  six  boys  and 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches.  35 


four  girls,  all  of  whom,  except  two,  are  living  in  other  States.  He 
was  born  at  Lvdia,  Darlington  County,  S.  C,  June  30,  1847.  The 
father  having  been  elected  to  public  office,  moved,  while  the  subject 
of  this  sketch  was  quite  young,  to  a  place  near  Darlington  Court 
House.  Here  young  Beasley  grew  up  as  other  boys  on  the  farm, 
doing  farm  work  when  not  in  school.  Most  of  the  time,  however, 
he  was  in  school  making  the  very  best  use  of  such  opportunities  as 
the  schools  of  the  day  afforded.  He  was  just  thirteen  years  old 
when  the  Civil  War  broke  out,  and  a  few  months  before  its  close 
he  was  called  out  with  the  "Reserves."  After  the  war,  he  spent 
two  years  at  Epworth  Academy,  a  most  excellent  school,  at  Wesley 
Chapel,  in  Darlington  County.  With  this,  his  school  days  closed, 
he  being  unable  to  take  a  college  course.  His  inability  to  take  a 
course  in  college  has  always  been  a  source  of  regret  to  our  good 
friend  and  brother,  and  he  has  often  so  expressed  himself  in  private 
and  in  public.  But  early  in  his  career  he  determined  to  make  up, 
as  far  as  possible,  for  the  deficiency,  and  in  this,  by  close  application 
and  hard  study,  he  has  succeeded,  being  now  a  cultured,  well-in- 
formed, and  thoughtful  man. 

Brother  Beasley  was  licensed  to  preach  in  August,  1867,  while  at 
school.  He  joined  the  South  Carolina  Conference  in  December, 
1870,  with  George  M.  Boyd,  G.  W.  Gatlin,  and  E.  Toland  Hodges. 
At  the  end  of  his  second  year  he  was  ordained  Deacon,  and  at  the 
end  of  the  third  year  he  was  ordained  Elder,  having  completed  the 
courses  of  study  for  the  third  and  fourth  year  in  one,  which  was 
then  allowed.  He  has  served  as  follows:  Upper  Orange  Circuit, 
1871-3;  Lynch's  Lake  Circuit.  1874-7;  Sumter  Circuit,  1878-81; 
Santee  Circuit,  1882-3;  Little  Rock  Circuit,  1884-6:  Sumter  District, 
1887-90;  Marion  Station,  1891-4;  Bennettsville  Circuit,  1895-8; 
Rock  Hill  Station,  1899-1901.  The  records  for  these  charges  for 
the  years  named  show  that  Sidney  Beasley  has  been  a  success  as  a 
Methodist  preacher.  He  is  a  most  systematic  worker — alwavs  on 
the  alert  for  the  betterment  of  the  charge  he  is  servin"-.  He  has  a 
big,  warm  heart,  and  gets  close  to  his  people,  and  they  love  him. 
His  sermons  are  thoughtful  and  thought-provoking,  being  prepared 
carefully  and  prayerfully.  He  has  the  confidence  and  esteem  of  his 
brethren  in  the  ministry,  and  he  is  often  placed  on  important  Boards 
and  Committees. 

Our  good  friend  has  been  thrice  married,  and  has  six  living  chil- 
dren. The  following  are  the  names  of  the  children:  Rosa  C.  (now 
Mrs.  S.  L.  Pipkin),  S.  Elizabeth,  George  Marvin,  M.  Louise  (now 
Mrs.  H.  B.  Tatuni),  Walter  S.,  and  Frances  Margaret. 


36 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


REV.  L.  F.  BEATY. 

Rev.  Leroy  Fisk  Beaty  was  born  on  the  i  ith  of  April,  1854,  in  Con- 
way, S.  C.  His  father,  Bethel  Durant  Beaty,  was  the  son  of  Rev. 
John  Beaty,  who  gave  many  years  of  faithful  service  to  his  church 
as  a  local  preacher.     When  Leroy  was    five   years    old,    he  lost  his 


father,  and  fi-om  that  time  the  rearing  and  educating  of  the  boy  de- 
volved upon  his  mother,  Mrs.  Alartha  Roland  Beaty,  of  whom  he 
was  an  only  child.  Alost  affectionately  does  he  speak  of  the  debt 
he  owes  her,  and  the  sacrifices  she  made  for  him.  Her  second  mar- 
riage to  J.  W.  Atkinson  caused  their  removal  to  ]Marion,  where  he 
received  his  academic  training  under  Professors  Witherow  and 
IMitchell.  When  about  seventeen  years  old,  he  was  converted  at 
Centenary  Camp  Ground,  in  Marion  County,  and  joined  the  Marion 
Station  Church.  In  December,  1873,  he  was  admitted  on  trial  into 
the  S.  C.  Conference,  held  at  Sumter;  serving  as  junior  preacher 
on  Bishopville  Circuit  during  1874;  Newberry  Circuit,  1875  ^"^ 
1876,  and  Greenwood  Circuit,  1877.  In  1878  he  located  and  spent 
that  year  and  the  next  at  Vanderbilt  University.  In  1880  he  reen- 
tered the  Conference  and  was  sent  as  preacher  in  charge  to  William- 
ston  Circuit,  1881  to  Greenville  Circuit,  1882-83-84  to  North  Green- 
ville Circuit,  1885-86  to  Edgefield  Circuit,  1887  to  Spring  Street, 
Charleston,  1888  to  Orangeburg  Station,  1889-90  to  Abbeville  Sta- 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


37 


tion,  1891-92-93  to  Latta  Circuit,  1894  to  Blenheim  Circuit.  In  1895 
he  was  made  assistant  editor  of  our  Sunday  School  literature,  which 
position  he  is  still  filling  with  great  satisfaction  to  the  Church. 
Faithful  and  successful  everywhere,  both  of  the  Sunday  School 
editors  with  whom  he  has  been  associated  have  spoken  in  highest 
praise  of  his  gifts  and  usefulness,  while  all  others  in  the  Church 
acquamted  with  his  w'ork  recognize  his  worth  to  the  cause  for  which 
he  labors.  Though  frail  in  bodily  appearance,  he  is  filled  with  an 
energy,  ability  and  courage  that  evince  wonderful  vitality  in  ''the 
inner  man."  A  warm  heart,  a  keen  sense  of  humor,  and  a  high 
idea  of  trueness  make  Leroy  F.  Beaty  a  popular  man,  and  one  strong 
in  his  friendships. 


REV.  E.  H.  BECKHAM. 

Rev.  Edward  H.  Beckham  is  the  son  of  Dr.  Robert  S.  and  Mrs. 
Elizabeth  Beckham  ()icc  Cauthen),  of  Kershaw,  Lancaster  County, 
South  Carolina.  That  Edward  Beckham  was  converted  under 
Methodist  influences  and  at  an  early  age  joined  the  Methodist  Church 


JA^ 

'f .  >^ 

was  naught  but  natural.  His  was  a  Methodist  ancestry  on  both 
sides  of  the  house.  The  Beckhams  and  the  Cauthens  were  among 
the  first  and  most  devoted  adherents  of  ^Methodism  in  Lancaster 


448812 


38  Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 

County.  In  him  the  two  streams  of  Methodist  blood  united.  He 
was  born  at  Pleasant  Hill,  Lancaster  County,  October  13,  1867, 
and  was  dedicated  to  the  Lord  in  baptism  by  his  parents  12th  of 
November  following,  at  the  hands  of  his  uncle,  Rev.  A.  J.  Cauthen. 

His  education  was  received  through  the  common  schools,  and 
Butler  Alston's  school,  at  Rock  Hill,  and  Bingham's  Military  School, 
in  North  Carolina.  Upon  the  foundation  thus  laid  an  assiduous  and 
receptive  mind  has  built  continuously  and  wisely.  His  call  to  preach 
was  to  him  a  call  to  prepare.  So  at  school  his  Divine  call  to  the 
ministry  was  the  incentive  to  study;  and  later  the  consuming  desire 
to  be  prepared  to  perform  the  exalted  functions  of  his  holy  calling 
gave  bent  to  all  his  reading.  He  was  licensed  to  preach  in 
1892,  and  in  the  winter  of  that  year  was  admitted  into  the  South 
Carolina  Conference  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  South. 
Since  then  he  has  been  actively  "in  the  work."  His  first  charge 
was  East  Kershaw  Circuit,  where  he  labored  one  year.  Then  he 
served  a  four-year  pastorate  on  the  Foreston  Circuit,  and  now  is 
completing  his  third  year  on  the  Jonesville  Circuit.  All  of  his 
charges  have  responded  to  his  zealous  work,  and  have  developed 
under  his  care.  Too  modest  to  presume  to  divide  the  word  of  truth 
without  due  preparation ;  too  energetic  to  fail  to  push  all  phases  of 
the  Church's  work ;  too  full  of  a  loving  zeal  for  saving  souls  to  fall 
into  any  perfunctoriness  in  doing  his  Master's  work,  he  has  ever 
been  endeared  to  his  flock.  These  qualifications  make  him  "a 
work-man  that  needeth  not  to  be  ashamed,"  and  shed  forth  a  bright 
promise  of  great  usefulness  for  the  future. 

Brother  Beckham  married  Miss  Minnie  Perry  in  1893.  Their 
parsonage  home  is  gladdened  by  the  sweet  smiles  and  merry  laughter 
of  two  bright  little  girls. 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


39 


REV.  JOHN  G.  BECKWITH. 

John  George  Beckwith  was  born  near  Jamison  in  the  County  of 
Orangeburg,  in  South  Carohna,  September  25,  1873.  His  paternal 
ancestors  were  of  old  Cavalier  stock,  and  came  to  this  country  in  the 
seventeenth  century  with  Lord  Baltimore  and  settled  in  Maryland, 


and  later  in  \'irginia ;  while  his  maternal  ancestors,  the  Moorers, 
were  among  the  earliest  and  most  highly  esteemed  settlers  in  old 
Orangeburg  District  in  this  State.  He  is  the  fourth  child  of  Laur- 
ence R.  Beckwith  and  Ann  Hesse  Beckwith  (iicc  Aloorer). 

In  boyhood  he  attended  the  country  schools  of  the  neighborhood, 
and  when  twenty  years  of  age  went  to  Sheridan's  Classical  school  in 
Orangeburg,  where  he  came  under  the  thorough  teaching  of  Hugo 
G.  Sheridan  and  his  sons ;  and  now  he  is  one  of  the  scores  of  young 
men  in  lower  South  Carolina  who  rise  up  and  call  the  memory  of 
this  veteran  educator  blessed.  At  fifteen,  by  competitive  examina- 
tion, he  won  one  of  the  beneficiary  cadetships  at  the  South  Carolina 
Military  Academy  in  Charleston.  This  he  did  in  preference  to  ac- 
cepting a  course  in  another  college,  which  he  had  been  offered  by  an 
uncle  who  had  already  been  his  benefactor  in  bringing  within  his 
reach  the  great  opportunity  of  his  preparatory  education — doing  this 
so  that  his  acceptance  of  further  help  might  not  stand  in  the  way  of 
others.  At  the  Citadel  Academy  his  record  for  scholarship  is  evi- 
denced by  the  fact  that  some  of  the  time  he  led  his  class  and  at  the 


40  Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 

end  graduated  near  the  head  in  the  class  of  '92.  He  fulfilled  his  obli- 
gation to  the  State  by  teaching  three  years.  Upon  closing  up  his 
work  at  Summerton,  in  charge  of  the  High  school,  he  made  arrange- 
ments to  enter  the  Sovith  Carolina  Conference  in  obedience  to  the 
divine  call  to  the  ministry,  of  which  he  had  been  perfectly  conscious 
for  some  years. 

The  beginning  of  his  spiritual  life  antedated  this  event  some  years. 
His  awakening  and  conversion  was  in  the  regular  work  of  Young 
Men's  Christian  Association,  during  his  first  year  at  college.  He 
joined  the  Methodist  Church  at  Prospect  on  Upper  St.  Matthew's 
Circuit  under  Rev.  W.  H.  Lawton.  Immediately  he  was  enlisted  in 
Christian  work  and  the  revelation  became  clearer  and  clearer  to  him 
that  the  ministry  was  his  life  work.  While  his  aspirations  were  all 
in  another  direction,  he  realized  the  imperativeness  of  the  call  and 
was  "not  disobedient  unto  the  Heavenly  vision,"  but  began  to  turn 
his  reading  in  that  direction  and  used  all  opportunities  to  work  in  the 
Master's  cause. 

He  was  licensed  to  exhort  while  teaching  at  Summerton  at  a 
quarterly  Conference  at  Andrew's  Chapel  on  the  Santee  Circuit, 
Rev.  W.  C.  Power,  Presiding  Elder,  in  the  spring  of  1895.  Just  at 
that  time  Rev.  H.  M.  Mood,  in  charge  of  Planning  Station,  was 
compelled  under  weight  of  years  and  infirmities  to  give  up  his  pas- 
torate. The  Presiding  Elder  placed  Mr.  Beckwith  at  Manning  as 
supply.  That  summer  he  was  licensed  to  preach  at  the  District  Con- 
ference in  Camden  and  recommended  to  the  Annual  Conference  for 
admission  on  trial.  At  its  ensuing  session  at  Rock  Hill,  he  was  ad- 
mitted and  sent  to  Kershaw  Circuit.  There  began  his  itinerant  work. 
He  remained  there  four  years.  During  this  pastorate  the  member- 
ship nearly  doubled,  gracious  revivals  were  held,  a  church  debt  that 
had  been  an  incubus  on  the  people  was  paid,  a  new  parsonage  was 
built  and  furnished,  and  Methodism  on  the  charge  was  infused  with 
a  more  aggressive  spirit  than  ever  before.  While  there  he  married 
on  February  3,  1897,  Miss  Fannie  Annesley  Brailsford,  of  Rich- 
mond, Va.  In  her,  a  lineal  descendant  of  Gen.  Wm.  Moultrie,  he  has 
found  truly  a  helpmeet  for  his  life's  work,  one  deeply  interested  in 
his  work,  whose  gentleness,  innate  graciousness  of  manner,  and 
sweetness  of  spirit  endear  the  parsonage  household  and  home  to 
every  charge  in  which  the  family  resides.  A  sweet  little  daughter, 
Annesley  Moultrie,  of  three  years,  is  the  sunshine  of  their  home.  In 
December,  1899,  he  was  sent  to  Barnwell  Circuit.  Here,  though 
commencing  work  under  numerous  embarrassments,  his  preaching 
force,  his  energy  of  purpose,  his  carefulness  in  looking  after  details, 
and  his  consecrated  zeal  caused  the  Circuit  for  the  first  time  in  its 
history,  with  possibly  one  exception,  to  pay  all  claims  in  full,  and  so 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


41 


endeared  him  to  his  people  that  with  one  voice  they  insisted  on  his 
being  returned  to  the  charge.  He  continues  his  work  on  the  same 
charge  1900-01. 


REV.  L.  L.  BEDENBAUGH. 

In  the  historic  old  County  of  Edgefield,  S.  C,  on  February  i,  1870, 
the  subject  of  this  sketch,  Rev.  Levi  Leroy  Bedenbaugh,  was  born. 
His  parents  are  James  T.  and  ^Margaret  A.  Bedenbaugh,  residing  in 
Saluda  County,  S.  C. 


Our  young  friend  was  not  permitted  to  enjoy  a  collegiate  training, 
but  he  has  surely  tried  to  make  up  for  it  by  utilizing  every  oppor- 
tunity for  his  intellectual  enlargement.  In  early  boyhood  he  at- 
tended the  schools  of  the  country  where  he  lived,  after  which  he 
spent  some  time  in  the  graded  school  of  Batesburg,  S.  C.  under  the 
efficient  management  of  Rev.  G.  Edwin  Stokes.  He  is  still  studying 
and  acquiring  information. 

Brother  Bedenbaugh  was  licensed  to  exhort  by  the  Quarterly 
Conference  of  Batesburg  Circuit  in  1888,  Rev.  S.  P.  H.  Elwell,  D.  D., 
being  his  pastor  and  Rev.  S.  B.  Jones,  D.  D.,  being  the  Presiding 
Elder.  At  the  fourth  Quarterly  Conference  of  the  same  charge, 
held  September  15,  1888.  he  was  licensed  to  preach.     He  was  admit- 


42  Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 

ted  into  the  Conference  on  trial  at  the  session  held  in  Sumter,  S.  C, 
December,  1893,  with  J.  A.  Campbell,  T.  Grigsby  Herbert,  W.  A. 
Massebeau,  R.  E.  Mood,  G.  E.  Stokes,  J.  B.  Harris  and  Peter  Stokes. 
He  was  ordained  Deacon  at  that  session  by  Bishop  R.  K.  Hargrove, 
and  was  ordained  Elder  at  Greenwood  by  Bishop  W.  W.  Duncan. 

Brother  Bedenbaugh's  appointments  have  been  as  follows :  Lan- 
caster Circuit,  1894;  Tradesville  Circuit,  1895-98;  Jefferson  Circuit, 
1899.  At  this  writing  he  is  in  the  midst  of  a  successful  pastorate 
on  that  charge.  In  fact,  he  is  a  very  successful  worker.  During  his 
pastorate  on  the  Tradesville  charge,  about  two  hundred  people  were 
added  to  the  Church  on  profession  of  faith.  The  material  interest 
of  the  charge  was  also  greatly  improved.  In  his  present  charge  he 
has  lifted  a  parsonage  debt  that  has  given  much  trouble. 

His  preaching  is  the  kind  that  tells  for  good. 

Brother  Bedenbaugh  was  married  to  Miss  Regina  A.  Whittle,  of 
Edgefield  County,  on  November  22,  1891.  They  have  had  five  chil- 
dren born  unto  them,  three  of  whom  died  in  infancy.  The  other 
two  are  Edith  Euphala  and  Uenda — seven  and  four  years  respec- 
tively. 


Twentieth  Centlkv  Sketches. 


43 


REV.  A.  FRANK  BERRY. 

A.  Frank  Berry  was  born  near  Branchville,  Orangeburg  County, 
S.  C,  Jan.  1st,  1842.  He  was  reared  on  the  fami,  educated  in  the 
old  field  schools  near  his  home  and  at  the  Branchville  and  the  Shiloh 
academies  under  such  teachers  as  Judge  James  F.  Izlar  and  Hon 


Samuel  Dibble,  and  at  Ebenezer,  near  Rock  Hill,  in  York  Co.,  under 
John  R.  Sherley  and  John  C.  Holly.  He  was  prepared  to  enter  the 
junior  class  in  the  South  Carolina  College  when  his  education  was 
cut  short  by  the  Civil  War.  In  1861  he  enlisted  in  Company  C,  First 
Regiment,  S.  C.  V.  Infantry,  and  reenlisted  in  1862  in  Company  F, 
Second  Regiment,  S.  C.  V.  Artillery,  and  served  in  this  command 
till  the  war  closed  in  1865. 

December  7th,  1865,  he  was  married  to  Miss  Emma  M.  Fairey  of 
Rowesville,  S.  C,  by  Rev.  J.  L.  Sifly.  In  1864  he  was  converted 
and  joined  the  Methodist  Church  on  James  Island.  In  1875  he  was 
licensed  to  exhort  and  1876  to  preach  by  the  Branchville  Circuit 
Quarterly  Conference.  He  was  appointed  after  the  death  of  the 
pastor,  Rev.  J.  B.  Massebeau,  to  supply  the  Branchville  Circuit  in 
1884,  and  as  supply  on  the  Providence  Circuit  in  1885.  At  Colum- 
bia, December,  1885,  he  was  admitted  on  trial  into  the  South  Caro- 
lina Conference  and  apy^ointed  to  Waccamaw  Circuit.  1886-87:  to 
Reidville,  1888;  Abbeville  Circuit,  1889-90-91;  Saluda.  1892:  North 
Marlboro,  1893;  North  ]\Iullins,    1894-95;    Boiling   Springs,  1896; 


44  Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 

Santuc,  1897-98;  and  Chesterfield,  1899- 1900.  He  has  eight  chil- 
dren living — one  dead.  He  labored  regularly  as  a  local  preacher 
eight  years  on  the  Branchville  Circuit  and  one  year  on  the  Providence 
Circuit,  always  in  perfect  harmony  with  his  pastors.  Has  married 
scores  of  couples,  baptized  and  taken  into  the  Church  hundreds, 
mostly  children  and  young  people,  visited  the  sick,  buried  the  dead, 
tried  to  comfort  all  who  were  in  trouble  and  expelled  but  few  from 
the  Church.  Many  have  professed  conversion  under  his  ministry; 
some  of  these  have  crossed  the  river,  others  abide  with  us  to  this  day. 

Names  of  children:  Herbert  E.  K.  Berry,  M.  Alice  Gibson  (mar- 
ried), A.  Virgil  Berry,  L:  Bessie  Rogers  (married),  E.  Stella  Berry, 
B.  Oliver  Berry,  Lewis  O.  Berry  and  Maggie  V.  Berry. 

Mr.  Berry  is  one  of  the  "true  and  tried"  Methodist  preachers. 
Thoroughly  consecrated  in  all  his  powers,  he  goes  forth  heralding 
the  good  tidings  of  salvation  to  all  classes  and  conditions.  His  great 
aim  is  to  preach  "Christ  and  Him  crucified"  to  lost  men  and  women. 
The  Lord  has  graciously  blessed  the  labors  of  this  faithful  man. 


EEV.  A.  H.  BEST. 

Rev.  Albert  Hart  Best,  son  of  Mr.  George  Best  and  Mrs.  Susannah 
Best,  was  born  at  Hartsville,  Darlington  County,  South  Carolina, 
October  10,  1861.  His  father  died  when  the  subject  of  this  sketch 
was  not  a  year  old.  His  mother  still  lives,  and  makes  her  home 
with  him. 

The  bov  had  access  to  good  country  schools  in  his  native  county  at 
intervals  as  his  mother  was  able  to  send  him.  As  he  grew  older, 
he  began  to  work  his  way,  and  his  school  terms  were  governed  ac- 
cordingly. This  continued  till  he  was  twenty-two  years  old.  About 
three  years  later  he  was  enabled,  by  the  help  of  friends,  and  par- 
ticularly by  the  help  of  Mr.  J.  C.  Clements,  of  the  Darlington  Cir- 
cuit, to  attend  college.  He  spent  one  year  at  Vanderbilt  University 
and  a  year  and  a  half  at  Wofford  College.  During  his  second  year 
at  Woft'ord  his  health  failed,  and  he  was  compelled  to  abandon  his 
college  course,  greatly  to  his  own  sorrow  and  the  disappointment  of 
his  friends. 

Brother  Best's  call  to  preach  dates  back  in  childhood,  being  among 
the  very  first  religious  impressions  of  his  life.  Seeing  no  way  of 
preparing  himself  for  the  ministry  in  his  boyhood  days,  he  -tried 
often  to  dismiss  the  thought.  But  God's  calls  are  not  easily  dis- 
missed, and  our  friend  felt  more  and  more  the  duty  to  preach. 
When  he  made  the  full  surrender,  God,  who  had  called  him,  opened 
the  way  for  him  to  go  to  college. 

He  was  received  on  trial  into  the  Conference  at  Camden,  S.  C, 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches.  45 


November,  1889,  with  Jefferson  S.  Abercrombie,  Rufus  A.  Child, 
J.  R.  Copelancl,  George  W.  Davis,  W.  H.  Hodges,  Melvin  B.  Kelly, 
John  Manning,  J.  Marion  Rogers,  Jno.  \\'.  Shell,  Whitefoord  S. 
Stokes,  Artemas  B.  Watson  and  J.  A.  White.  He  has  served  as 
follows:  Cheraw  Circuit,  1890;  Mars  Bluff  Circuit,  1891-2;  Clyde 
Circuit,  1893-4;  Gourdin  Circuit,  1895;  Sumter  Circuit,  1896; 
Greer's  Circuit,  1897-8;  Campobello  Circuit,  1899-1901. 

While  on  the  Sumter  Circuit,  the  health  of  Brother  Best  gave 
wav  temporarily,  and  he  was  unable  to  do  full  service.  The  doctor 
advised  him  to  try  the  up-country.  He  did  so,  and  his  health  has 
been  restored,  enabling  him  to  go  forth  fully  meeting  the  demands 
upon  an  itinerant's  life. 

Like  all  other  intelligent  men,  Brother  Best  decided,  soon  after 
joining  the  Conference,  that  it  was  "not  good  for  man  to  be  alone," 
so  on  February  25,  1890,  he  was  married  to  Miss  Lillie  Andrews, 
daughter  of  ]\Ir.  Henry  J.  and  Mrs.  Argent  x\ndrews,  of  Darlington 
County,  S.  C.  Five  children  have  been  born  to  them — Louise,  Mar- 
vin Andrews,  Robert  Henry,  Alliene  and  Lillie. 

Brother  Best  will,  perhaps,  never  be  estimated  in  this  world  at 
his  true  worth.  He  is  modest  and  retiring,  ever  feeling  a  deep  sense 
of  his  own  unworthiness.  He  is  faithful  in  the  discharge  of  his  pas- 
toral duties,  and  is  a  thoughtful  and  logical  preacher. 


46 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


REV.   S.   J.   BETHEA. 

Rev.  Samuel  Joseph  Bethea  was  born  in  Marion  County,  S.  C, 
October  7,  1857.  His  father  was  the  Rev.  Samuel  J.  Bethea,  who 
for  forty-five  years  lived  and  preached  the  Gospel  as  a  local  minister. 
His  mother,  Elizabeth  A.  Bethea,  was  one  of  the  excellent  of  earth. 


Reared  in  a  pious  Methodist  home,  our  brother  was  early  brought 
into  the  Church  and  converted  to  God.  In  his  youth  he  was  im- 
pressed with  a  call  to  preach.  Finally  this  impression  became  a  con- 
viction. Giving  himself  to  prayer  for  Divine  guidance,  he  made  the 
decision,  and  peace  filled  his  soul.  He  received  license  to  preach, 
and  in  December,  1883,  was  received  into  the  South  Carolina  Con- 
ference. His  appointments  have  been:  1884-5,  Parksville;  1886- 
87-88,  Abbeville  Circuit;  1889-90-91,  Bethel,  Spartanburg;  1892-93, 
Darlington  Circuit;  1894-95-96-97,  Lake  City;  1898-99,  Mullins; 
1900-01,  Verdery.  In  all  his  labors  were  blessed  of  God  in  the  con- 
version of  sinners  and  the  addition  of  many  to  the  Church.  He  was 
also  instrumental  in  the  building  of  a  parsonage  and  several 
churches.     His  ministry  has  been  successful. 

Brother  Bethea  was  educated  in  the  schools  of  his  native  county — 
and  these  are  of  rare  excellence.  A  year  was  spent  by  him  in  Van- 
derbilt  University,  his  studies  being  in  both  the  literary  and  theologi- 
cal departments.     These  only  began  his  mental  development.     He 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches.  47 


has  studied  while  preaching  the  Gospel  to  those  to  whom  he  was 
sent. 

Our  brother's  sermons  are  prayerfully  prepared,  simply  planned, 
clearly  and  earnestly  delivered  under  the  power  of  the  Holy  Spirit. 
His  experience  of  the  things  of  God  is  sincere  and  satisfying;  and 
he  speaks  from  the  heart  as  well  as  from  the  head.  His  pastoral 
duties  are  faithfully  discharged.  His  kind,  sympathetic  spirit  gives 
him  access  to  the  people,  and  he  uses  the  opportunity  to  their  com- 
fort and  help.  As  a  man,  he  is  true  and  fearless,  devoted  and  un- 
selfish— a  man  to  be  relied  upon  in  difficult  days  as  well  as  when  the 
sun  shines. 

On  December  12,  1879,  he  married  Miss  Nannie  J.  Bethea.  He 
and  she  were  schoolmates  in  childhood — and  even  then  were  sweet- 
hearts. This  lasted  through  the  years,  and  they  married — only  to 
love  each  other  more  and  more  as  time  has  passed.  She  has  known 
much  sickness  and  suffering,  but  these  afiflictions  made  them  dearer 
to  each  other.  One  child  was  born  of  this  union — Samuel  J. 
Bethea,  Jr. 

When  the  Day  of  Days  comes  there  will  be  revealed  a  life  of  such 
single-mindedness  and  such  fidelity  to  God  and  man  that  many  might 
covet  the  Divine  approval  which  will  be  accorded  Samuel  Joseph 
Bethea !   The  writer  knows  him,  and  knew  his  people  before  him. 


48 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


REV.  W.  A.  BETTS,  A.  B. 

William  Archibald  Betts,  son  of  Rev.  A.  D.  Betts,  D.  D.,  of  the 
North  Carolina  Conference,  was  born  at  Blockersville,  in  Cumber- 
land County,  N.  C,  Sept.  22,  1857.  Nearly  twelve  years  thereafter 
he  was  "born  again"  at  old  Zion  Church,  in  Brunswick  County,  N. 


r 


>v 


V. 


C.  Being  a  son  of  a  Methodist  itinerant,  he  was  reared  in  several 
sections  of  his  native  State.  The  following  places  of  residence  he 
recollects :  Southport,  Chapel  Hill,  Scott's  Hill,  Oxford,  Rolesville, 
Ansonville,  Mt.  Pleasant,  and  Greensboro.  In  each  of  which,  ex- 
cept the  first  and  last,  he  "went  to  school,"  and  was  graduated  from 
the  State  University  in  the  class  of  1880.  Governor  Aycock  was 
class  prophet,  and  prophesied  :  "Betts  will  do  his  duty."  He  humbly 
hopes  to  bring  to  pass  the  prognostication. 

Having  been  elected  to  the  general  secretaryship  of  the  Young 
Men's  Christian  Association  of  the  City  of  Charleston,  S.  C,  he 
entered  upon  the  duties  of  the  office  early  in  the  summer  of  the 
same  year  (1880),  and  spent  a  part  of  June  and  July  studying  the 
work  as  conducted  in  Chicago,  Harrisburg,  Newburg,  Poughkeepsie, 
Philadelphia  and  New  York  city.  The  balance  of  the  summer  was 
spent  in  making  a  tour  of  the  local  associations  in  South  Carolina, 
seeking  to  help  forward  the  work  of  those  already  existing,  and 
organizing  new  associations.  After  a  fall  and  winter  campaign  in 
the  City  by  the  Sea,  with  varying  degrees  of  success  in  association 
work,  he  sought  and  received  the  appointment  as  pastor  of  the  Clar- 
endon Circuit,  South  Carolina  Conference,  taking,  in  March,  1881, 


Twentieth  Clntlkv  Ski:tliii:.s.  49 

the  place  of  Rev.  Janies  W.  Koger,  who  went  as  a  missionary  to 
Brazil. 

He  was  licensed  to  preach  by  the  Quarterly  Conference  of  Trinity 
Church,  Charleston,  durino^  the  pastorate  of  Dr.  A.  Coke  Smith  and 
W.  l\  Mouzon,  P.  E.,  preaching-  his  maiden  sermon  in  St.  James' 
Church  on  the  foilowin.g-  Sabbath  morninq-.  while  Dr.  H.  l*".  Chreitz- 
berg,  the  pastor,  was  filling  the  i)uli)it  of  the  Westminster  Presby- 
terian Church  by  special  request. 

On  'Slay  12,  1 881,  he  was  married  to  Miss  Lillie  E.  Wadsworth,  of 
Chesterfield  County,  S.  C,  an  alumna  of  Columbia  Female  College, 
whose  unselfish  devotion  to  her  husband  and  his  work  for  Christ 
contributed  more  than  any  other  human  help  to  achieve  whatever  of 
success  attended  his  labors  as  a  minister  to  the  time  of  her  demise 
at  Richburg,  S.  C,  24th  April.  1896.  Of  the  six  children  born  to 
them,  five  survive.  May  4th,  1898,  he  was  married  to  Miss  Lula  F. 
Young,  of  Greenwood  County,  S.  C,  an  alumna  of  the  Greenville 
Female  College. 

In  December,  1881,  at  Union  Court  House,  he  was  received  on 
trial  into  the  South  Carolina  Annual  Conference,  and  has  since 
served  appointments  as  follows:  '  hiloh  Station,  1882-83;  Green- 
ville Circuit,  1884-85:  Williamston  Circuit,  1886-87;  Graniteville 
Circuit,  1888-89;  Cumberland  Mission,  Charleston,  1890-91  ;  Clinton 
Circuit,  1892-93;  Richburg  Circuit,  1894-95-96:  Ninety-Six  Circuit, 
1897-98;  Branchville  Circuit,  1899;  Kershaw  Circuit,  1900. 

Brother  Betts  is  one  of  our  most  thoroughly  consecrated  men, 
ever  striving  to  do  his  full  duty  in  the  cause  of  Christ.  Gracious 
revivals  attend  his  ministry  and  happy  conversions  are  results  of  his 
preaching.     As  a  pastor,  he  is  thoughtful  and  sympathetic. 


4-S. 


50 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


REV.  S.  T.  BLACKMAN. 

Rev.  Samuel  Townsend  Blackman,  son  of  Air.  W.  H.  and  Mrs. 
M.  J.  Blackman,  was  born  at  Cokesbury,  S.  C,  Aug.  5,  i860.  His 
education  was  started  at  home,  and  was  continued  in  the  common 
and  high  schools  of  Abbeville  and  Anderson  Counties.     He  also 


attended  other  schools,  but  did  not  graduate  at  any  college.  He 
regretted  very  much  his  inability  to  take  a  college  course,  and  strove 
the  harder  to  make  up  this  deficiency  by  hard  study. 

In  1882,  Brother  Blackman  felt  divinely  called  to  preach.  It  was 
under  the  ministry  of  Rev.  J.  W.  Daniel,  D.  D.,  who  was  then  on 
the  Pendleton  Circuit.  Our  good  brother  at  first  tried  to  evade  the 
duty  of  preaching,  going  into  society,  moving  away,  and  in  various 
ways  endeavoring  to  throw  off  the  impression.  But,  Jonah-like, 
he  found  that  the  only  way  of  peace  and  safety  lay  in  submission  to 
the  heavenly  commission. 

He  was  received  on  trial  into  the  Conference  at  Spartanburg,  S.  C, 
December,  1887,  R.  L.  Holroyd,  A.  B.  Earle,  W.  E.  Barre,  J.  W. 
Kilgo,  W.  B.  Duncan,  John  L.  Harley,  R.  A.  Yongue,  J.  P.  Attaway, 
W.  L.  Wait  and  J.  E.  Mahafl:ey  being  his  "partners  in  distress." 

His  labors  have  been  distributed  as  follows :  Anderson  Circuit, 
1888-9;  Campobello  Circuit,  1890-2;  Whitmire  Circuit,  1893-6;  Bel- 
mont Circuit,   1897-8;    \\^aterloo,   1899';    Antreville  Station,   1900- 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


51 


1901.  In  all  of  these  charges  our  brother  has  been  successful.  Each 
year  of  his  itinerant  life  he  has  been  instrumental  in  leading  souls  to 
Christ.  He  has  built  one  parsonage,  two  churches,  and  repaired 
several.  He  makes  it  a  rule  to  carry  up  each  year  a  better  report 
than  the  charge  sent  before.  In  this  he  has  succeeded  remarkably 
well. 

Brother  Blackman  has  been  twice  married.  His  first  marriage 
was  to  Miss  Claudia  Harper,  of  Anderson  County,  January  24,  1889. 
This  wife  died  about  one  year  after  this  date.  His  second  marriage 
was  to  ]\Iiss  Ida  S.  Harper,  May  24,  1892.  From  this  union  there 
is  one  child — IMary  Helen. 

Our  friend  is  a  splendid  revivalist,  having  had  some  remarkable 
meetings  during  his  ministerial  life.  His  preaching  tells  upon  the 
lives  of  his  hearers. 


REV.  S.  H.  BOOTH. 

Rev.  Stannic  Hart  Booth,  was  born  near  Conway,  Horry  County, 
South  Carolina,  June  15.  1873.     He  comes  from  genuine  Sfethodi'st 


^^^^^^^IP^^^^^^^^^^^^L^i^^^l 

9 

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Kfis 

^ 

H 

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'H 

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^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^H^v- ~'i^^^^^H 

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if  J 

stock,  and  from  the  influences  thrown  about  him  during  his  life  we 
are  not  surprised  at  his  call  to  preach  the  Gospel. 


52  Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 

His  boyhood  days  were  spent  upon  the  farm,  and  his  earhest  recol- 
lections embrace  impressions  at  the  family  altar,  the  Sunday  School 
and  the  Church.  His  primary  education  was  obtained  through  the 
agency  of  the  three  months'  public  schools,  and  diligent  study  around 
the  pine-knot  fire  at  night,  after  the  day's  toils  were  over.  He  won 
a  scholarship  in  the  South  Carolina  Military  Academy  through  com- 
petitive examination,  and  graduated  in  1895  with  honors.  He  took 
high  grade  as  a  student  in  morals  and  scholarship.  No  cadet  among 
them  was  more  respected  for  piety  and  consecration  to  God. 

Brother  Booth  joined  the  Church  at  12  years  of  age,  but  was  not 
converted  until  six  years  later.  His  conversion  was  clear-cut,  and 
no  doubts  have  marred  his  spiritual  sky  since.  Early  after  con- 
version came  the  call  to  preach,  and  his  convictions  as  to  this  call 
grew  more  intense  as  the  days  came  and  went. 

He  was  licensed  to  preach  at  the  District  Conference  at  Clio,  S.  C, 
in  April,  1897,  and  at  the  same  Conference  was  recommended  to 
the  South  Carolina  Annual  Conference  for  admission  on  trial. 

His  first  appointment  was  the  Van  Wyck  Circuit,  in  1898.  He 
served  this  charge  one  year.  The  next  year — 1899 — he  served  the 
York  Circuit,  and  is  at  present  on  this  work.  He  was  ordained  a 
Deacon  at  the  last  Conference,  in  Orangeburg,  S.  C,  by  Bishop  Key. 

Brother  Booth  is  a  diligent  pastor,  and  has  the  love  and  esteem 
of  his  people.  He  is  a  pure  gospel  preacher,  and  those  who  attend 
upon  his  ministry  of  the  Word  are  edified  and  instructed.  He  is  a 
constantly  growing  preacher.  He  knows. how  to  use  his  books  to 
best  advantage. 

He  is  still  unmarried,  but  his  hopes  for  bettering  his  condition 
are  still  encouraging. 


T\\  IIXTIKTH    CeNTLUV    SKETCHES. 


53 


REV.  DAVID  PETTUS  BOYD. 

Rev.  David  Pettus  Boyd,  the  youngest  son  of  Rev.  Mark  Moore 
Boyd  and  Elizabeth  Boyd,  whose  maiden  name  was  Epting,  was  born 
September  14,  1849,  Xewberry  District,  S.  C.  His  grandparents 
were  Rev.  Natlian  and  EHzabeth  Boyd  ( ncc  Tigert ) .  who  came  from 
Ireland  when  both  were  children. 


He  received  a  fair  English  education  near  the  place  of  his  birth, 
in  and  around  the  famous  "Crab  Orchanr"  school  house.  At  the 
age  of  ten  years  he  joined  the  Methodist  Church  under  the  ministry 
of  Rev.  Jas.  T.  Kilgo  and  was  happily  converted  to  God  when  about 
sixteen  years  old. 

December  24,  i8r)8.  he  was  married  to  Miss  Sarah  Caroline 
Thompson,  of  Newberry  District.  S.  C,  by  Rev.  J.  Marion  Boyd. 
As  a  result  of  this  union  three  children  were  born  unto  them :  Flor- 
ence Levina.  Claudius  Thompson  and  David  .\lbert.  The  only 
daughter,  Florence,  died  in  the  eighteenth  year  of  her  age  and  went 
to  her  home  in  Heaven.  She.  with  the  two  brothers,  joined  the 
Church  of  their  parents  in  early  childhood,  and  all  professed  saving 
faith  in  Christ.  Claudius  T.  married  Miss  St.  Laurens  Farrow  of 
Cross  Anchor,  S.  C.  He  is  now  engaged  in  the  mercantile  business 
at  Union,  S.  C.  and  succeeding  in  temporal  and  spiritual  things. 

David  Albert  has  successfully  completed  his  sophomore  year  in 


54  Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 

Wofford  College,  and  is  now  teaching  school  with  a  view  to  reenter- 
ing college  in  October,  1901,  to  complete  his  education. 

The  impression  was  made  upon  Brother  Boyd's  mind  that  God  had 
called  him  to  preach  the  Gospel  several  years  before  he  yielded  to  the 
call.  November  12,  1881,  he  was  licensed  to  exhort.  July  22,  1882, 
he  was  licensed  by  the  Ouarterlv  Conference  of  Saluda  Circuit  to 
preach.  Rev.  C.  H.  Pritchard,  P.  E. ;  Ref.  J.  B.  Traywick,  P.  C. 
He  traveled  Saluda  Circuit  in  1883  as  junior  supply  and  taught 
school  during  the  week  at  Butler  church. 

He  was  admitted  on  trial  into  the  South  Carolina  Conference  at 
Sumter,  December,  1883,  Bishop  A.  W.  Wilson  presiding.  From 
this  Conference  he  was  sent  to  Clinton  Circuit,  where  he  remained 
for  four  consecutive  years,  during  which  time  he  built  and  paid  for 
a  nice  parsonage,  and  built  Sandy  Springs  chvirch.  From  Clinton 
he  was  sent  to  Jonesville  Circuit,  where  he  also  remained  four  years. 
During  his  stay  on  this  work  New  Hope  church  was  built,  Bo- 
gansville  was  remodeled  and  all  the  churches  on  the  circuit  repainted 
except  two.  From  Jonesville  he  went  to  Belmont  and  served  this 
Circuit  four  years,  during  which  time  he  built  Grace  chapel.  His 
next  appointment  was  North  Laurens  Circuit.  His  record  was  not 
broken  here,  as  he  served  the  full  limit  at  this  place,  during  which 
time  Dial's  church  was  modernized  and  beautified  under  his  super- 
vision. After  having  spent  sixteen  years  in  Spartanburg  District, 
he  was  sent  to  Newberry  Circuit,  the  place  where  he  was  born  and 
brought  up,  and  has  just  closed  one  of  the  most  pleasant  and  success- 
ful years  of  his  ministry,  proving  an  exception  to  the  statement  that 
"a.  prophet  is  not  without  honor,  save  in  his  own  country."  He  has 
entered  hopefully  upon  his  second  year  on  this  work.  Few  men 
have  had  a  more  successful  career  in  the  South  Carolina  Conference 
that  Brother  Boyd's  has  been.  During  the  eighteen  years  of  his  min- 
istry he  has  taken  nearly  a  thousand  persons  into  the  Church,  and 
has  been  instrumental  in  leading  scores  of  souls  to  a  saving  knowl- 
edge of  the  Gospel  of  the  Son  of  God.  ^lay  his  bow  long  abide  in 
strength. 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


OD 


REV.  GEO.  M.  BOYD. 

The  subject  of  this  sketch,  Rev.  George  McPherson  Boyd,  is  one 
of  the  true  and  tried  Methodist  itinerants.  He  came  from  good 
Methodist  stock,  his  parents  being  Rev.  Mark  Moore  Boyd  (every- 
body's "Uncle  Mark")  and  Ehzabeth  Boyd,  of  Xcwlx'rry  County, 
S.  C.     He  was  born  September  17.  1837. 


Brother  Bo\d  was  educated  in  various  schools  and  under  different 
teachers,  owing  more,  perhaps,  to  Hon.  jolni  C.  \\'ils(»n  than  to  any 
other  teacher.  "Uncle  ]\Iark"  did  all  he  could  with  his  limited  means 
for  the  education  of  his  children.  In  the  school  training  Brother 
Boyd  received,  only  the  foundation  was  laid.  He  has  been  a  hard 
student  of  both  men  and  books. 

For  four  years  Brother  Boyd  fought  against  the  call  to  preach. 
During  this  struggle  he  met  Rev.  O.  A.  Darby,  D.  1).,  one  day  on 
the  streets  of  Newberry.  \\'ith  a  prophet's  vision  the  good  doctor 
said :  "Brother  Boyd,  somehow  I  feel  that  Cod  has  called  you  to 
preach.  It  will  be  the  best  thing  you  ever  did  to  obey  the  call." 
After  much  prayer  and  meditation,  our  good  brother  yielded  antl 
was  licensed  to  preach  at  old  Xew  Hope  Church,  on  the  Newberry 
Circuit,  Rev.  Sidi  II.  Browne,  Presiding  Elder. 

At  the  session  of  the  Conference  held  in  Charleston,  S.  C.  De- 
cember, 1870,  Brother  Boyd  was  received  on  trial  and  his  labors  have 
been  as  follows:  Yorkville  Circuit,   187 1  :  South  Abbeville,  1872-4; 


56  Twentieth  Cextury  Sketches. 

Clinton  Circuit,  1875;  Columbia  Circuit,  1876;  Jonesville  Circuit, 
1877-8;  York  Circuit,  1879;  Reidville  Circuit,  1880-2;  Laurens  Cir- 
cuit, 1883-4;  Clio  and  Blenheim,  1885-8;  Bennettsville  and  Brights- 
ville,  1889-90;  A\'aterloo,  1891  ;  Cokesbury,  1892-3;  Gaffney  Circuit, 
1894-5;  Pacolet  Station,  1896-7;  Lamar  Circuit,  1898-1900;  Chester 
Circuit,  1901.  In  all  these  charges  our  brother  has  labored  faith- 
fully, acceptably  and  successfully.  During  his  ministry  about 
twenty  five  hundred  people  have  been  added  by  him  to  the  Church 
rolls. 

He  is  a  strong  preacher,  his  sermons  being  thoroughly  prepared 
and  delivered  with  much  force.  His  pastoral  work  is  characterized 
by  earnestness  and  sympathy.  All  the  results  go  to  show  that  the 
hand  of  the  Lord  was  surely  in  the  call  of  George  M.  Boyd  to  the 
ministry  of  the  Word.  He  is  modest  and  unpretentious,  and  will, 
perhaps,  never  be  estimated  at  his  true  value  in  this  world ;  but  God 
knows  his  own  and  has  put  the  divine  approval  upon  the  labors  of 
his  servant. 

Brother  Boyd  has  been  twice  married.  His  first  marriage  was  to 
]\Iiss  ]\Iary  Jane  Thompson,  of  Newberry  County,  S.  C,  on  ]\Iarch 
4,  1858.  Of  this  union  were  born  Nettie  Thompson,  Mamie  Eliza- 
beth, William  Bowman,  Thomas  Jefferson,  Carrie  Lavinia,  Robert 
Jav  and  Eulalie.  The  second  marriage  was  to  Miss  Corinne  Ander- 
son, of  Waterloo,  S.  C,  May  12,  1891.  Of  this  union  one  daughter 
was  born — Corinne  Anderson. 

To  the  brief  data  furnished  his  friend  for  the  above  sketch,  Brother 
Boyd  added  a  foot-note,  saying:  "I  am  now  in  the  thirty-first  year 
of  my  ministry,  and  if  I  had  as  many  more  before  me  I  would  be  glad 
to  devote  them  to  God  and  his  service." 


REV.  R.   C.  BOULWARE. 

Rev.  Robert  Chesley  Boulware,  son  of  Mr.  James  R.  Boulware 
and  Mrs.  Elizabeth  A.  Herbert  Boulware,  was  born  ]March  13,  1866. 

His  education  was  begun  in  the  common  schools  of  Newberry 
County.  At  the  age  of  seventeen  years  he  was  sent  to  the  school  at 
Wellford.  under  the  management  of  Prof.  W.  S.  Morrison,  now  of 
Clemson  College.  His  course  here  was  broken  up  by  the  death  of 
his  father.  In  the  fall  after  his  father's  death  he  went  to  Pros- 
perity High  School,  and  remained  there  for  two  or  three  years. 
From  this  place  he  went  to  Wofford  College. 

Having  been  trained  by  a  pious  mother,  young  Boulware  joined 
the  Church  in  childhood,  being  converted  at  the  age  of  ten  years. 
Immediatelv  after  his  conversion,  he  felt  impressed  with  the  Divine 


Twentieth  Cextlkv  Sketches.  57 


call  to  i)reach.  This  im]iression  deepened  with  jjassing  years ;  but 
he  did  not  yield  until  twelve  or  fifteen  years  after  the  first  call. 

Brother  Boulware  joined  the  South  Carolina  Conference  at  the 
session  held  in  Laurens  in  December,  1894,  .Martin  L.  Banks,  Jr., 
Connor  B.  Burns,  Henry  J.  Cauthen,  W'addy  T.  Duncan.  William 
S.  Goodwin,  E.  S.  Jones.  \\'.  A.  Kelly,  S.  A.  Nettles,  W.  A.  Pitts, 
J.  R.  Sojourner,  W.  J.  Snyder  and  Preston  P>.  \Vells  joining  at  the 
same  time.  He  has  served  as  follows:  Fort  Motte  Circuit,  1895-6; 
Salters  Circuit,  1897-9;  Langley  Circuit,  1900;  supernumerary,  1901. 

Brother  Boulware  was  married  December  28,  1897,  to  Miss  Lily 
L.  Hodge,  of  Pinewood,  Clarendon  County,  S.  C.  After  a  long  and 
painful  illness,  Sister  Boulware  died  at  Langley,  S.  C,  July  19,  1900. 

Brother  Boulware  himself  was  ill  for  quite  a  while  during  the 
year  1900,  and  his  health  was  so  impaired  that  he  found  it  necessarv 
to  ask  for  a  supernumerary  relation  at  the  recent  session  of  the  Con- 
ference. Though  he  had  had  nuich  sickness,  and  many  trials,  our 
good  brother  had  patiently  labored  on,  and  had  accomplished  much 
good.  We  sincerely  hope  for  his  speedy  restoration,  antl  that  he 
may  soon  be  able  to  re-enter  the  glorious  work. 


58 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


REV.  M.  M.  BRABHAM. 

One  of  the  best  men  in  the  South  Carolina  Conference  is  Rev. 
]\Iatthe\v  Move  Brabham,  son  of  Mr.  Robt.  C.  Brabham  and  Mary  R. 
Brabham  (tiee  McMillan).  He  was  born  in  the  Buford  Bridge  sec- 
tion of  Barnwell  County,  S.  C,  on  October  15,  1848. 


Young  Brabham  had  been  utilizing  the  advantages  offered  him  by 
the  schools  of  his  county,  but  at  the  age  of  sixteen  he  was  led  to  quit 
school  and  enter  the  Confederate  Army,  intending  to  re-enter  school 
later  on.  In  this,  however,  he  was  disappointed.  His  father's  home 
was  in  the  track  of  "Sherman's  raid,"  and  the  entire  home  was  so 
broken  up  that  the  boy's  cherished  plan  for  obtaining  an  advanced 
education  was  shattered. 

He  joined  the  Church  in  October,  1871,  and  was  converted  in  July, 
1872.  He  was  licensed  to  exhort  November  29,  1873,  was  licensed 
to  preach  July  25,  1874,  and  was  ordained  Deacon  at  Charleston,  S. 
C,  Dec.  21,  1879,  by  Bishop  Wightman.  Brother  Brabham  was 
admitted  into  the  Conference  during  the  session  held  at  Union,  S.  C, 
December,  1881.  He  was  ordained  Elder  by  Bishop  McTyeire,  in 
Charleston,  S.  C,  Dec.  21,  1884.  His  labor  has  been  as  follows: 
Allendale  Circuit,  1882-4;  Black  Swamp  Circuit.  1885;  Newberry 
Circuit,  1886^9;  Ninety-Six  Circuit,  1890-3;  Edgefield  Circuit, 
1894-6;  superannuate,  1897-8;  1899-1900. 

Brother  Brabham  has  been  twice  married.     He  was  first  married 


TwEXTiETH  Century  Sketches. 


59 


to  ^Hss  Sallie  T.  Simmons,  of  Bamberg,  S.  C.  As  the  result  of  this 
union  six  children  were  born  unto  them — !Maud,  Mag-gie,  Fannie, 
Eddie,  Paul  and  Holland.  Sister  Brabham  died  at  Xewberry,  S.  C, 
in  1886.  In  1888  he  was  married  to  Miss  Fannie  C.  Cannon,  of 
Newberry  County.  They  have  three  children — Malcolm,  Mary 
Moye  and  James  Elliott. 

Brother  Brabham 's  faithful  work  has  told  wherever  he  has  labored. 
The  Lord  has  blessed  his  service  to  the  salvation  of  many  souls  and 
to  the  advancement  of  the  Divine  Kingdom.  He  is  a  very  lovable 
man,  and  makes  scores  of  friends  wherever  he  goes. 

Brother  Brabham  is  not  physically  able  at  this  time  to  do  full  ser- 
vice, but  he  is  going  on  in  his  feebleness,  doing  his  utmost  to  serve 
the  blaster  and  the  Church. 


REV.  HENRY  BASCOM  BROWNE. 

Rev.  Henry  Bascom  Browne,  son  of  ^Ir.  J.  M.  and  Mrs.  L.  L. 
Browne,  was  born  in  Anderson  County,  S.  C.  on  July  20,  1852.  He 
received  his  primary  and  high  school  training  at  Ebenezer  Academy, 
in  Anderson  County,  under  the  wise  supervision  of  Prof.  C.  C.  Reed. 


His  traininc:  in  Latin  was  obtained  under  Prof.  McCartha  in  Colum- 
bia,  S.  C.  Mr.  Browne  took  a  partial  course  in  theology  under  the 
supervision  of  the  Chautauqua  School  of  Theology  and  also  pursued 


6o  Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


the  Chautauqua  Literary  and  Scientific  Course.  He  has  been  a  hard 
student  all  his  life,  and  while  he  is  what  is  popularly  called  a  "self- 
made  man,"  he  is  evidently  a  well  made  man. 

Mr.  Browne  entered  the  Conference  at  Chester.  S.  C,  December 
1876,  and  has  served  the  following  charges:  Sampit  Circuit  and 
Mission,  1877;  Fork  Shoals  Circuit.  1878-1881  ;  Greenville  Circuit, 
1882-1883;  Belmont  Circuit,  1 884-1 885  ;  Cumberland  Station,  1886- 
1889;  Florence  Station,  1890-1893;  Walhalla  and  Seneca  Station, 
1894;  Rock  Hill  Station.  1895-1896;  St.  Paul's  Station,  1897-1898; 
Orangeburg  District,  1899-1901. 

The  subject  of  this  sketch  has  been  twice  married.  His  first  mar- 
riage was  to  Miss  IMollie  M.  Moody,  of  Columbia,  S.  C.  From  this 
marriage  there  are  two  sons — Claude  S.  and  M.  Capers.  His  second 
marriage  was  to  Mrs.  Maria  B.  Chase,  of  Florence,  S.  C,  August  29, 

1894. 

Mr.  Browne  has  been  an  indefatigable  worker,  but  has  thriven 
upon  it.  In  pastoral  work,  he  has  strengthened  the  weak  and  com- 
forted the  sorrowing  and  dying ;  in  the  pulpit  he  has  been  a  faithful 
dispenser  of  the  Word  of  life ;  as  an  organizer  he  has  especially  ex- 
celled. Faithful  and  painstaking,  his  work  all  along,  whether  in  the 
pastorate  or  on  the  various  Conference  Boards  where  he  has  served, 
has  been  characterized  by  depth  and  thoroughness,  and  has  possessed 
a  lasting  quality,  as  his  brethren  will  testify. 

If  work  proves  a  man's  worth  to  his  Conference,  surely  Brother 
Browne  is  an  invaluable  member.  Let  the  following  facts  speak: 
He  is  now  the  Secretary  of  the  Board  of  Education  and  of  the 
Executive  Committee  of  the  same,  and  consequently  of  the 
Twentieth  Century  Movement  in  South  Carolina.  He  is  in  charge 
of  the  educational  department  of  Tlic  Southern  Christian  Advocate; 
he  is  a  member  of  the  publishing  committee  of  The  Southern  Chris- 
tian Advocate,  and  has  been  Chairman  of  the  Committee  on  Tvlinutes 
for  quite  a  number  of  years.  He  is  now  the  honored  President  of 
the  South  Carolina  Historical  Society,  and  his  admirable  work  in 
this  position  is  known  to  all. 

To  shorten  this  article,  which  might  otherwise  assume  too  lengthy 
proportions,  the  following  summary  is  offered,  the  truth  of  which 
will  be  vouched  for  by  all  who  enjoy  an  intimate  acquaintance  with 
the  subject  of  this  sketch.  He  is  a  manly  man ;  he  thinks  along  high 
lines,  and  strives  to  reach  high  ideals.  With  a  nervous  temperament 
strung  to  a  very  high  key,  he  has  a  fine  sense  of  honor  that  refuses  to 
infringe  upon  the  rights  of  others,  and  claims  fair  dealing  for  him- 
self. He  is  a  man  of  strong  conviction,  and  the  tenacity  with  which 
he  holds  to  his  opinions  is  perhaps  sometimes  mistaken  for  stub- 
bornness. Strong  in  his  attachments,  he  stands  by  his  friends  and 
their  interests  come  what  mav. 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


6i 


REV.  SIDI  H.  BROWNE. 

Sidi  Hamet  Browne,  son  of  Elijah  and  Sarah  McPherson  Browne, 
was  born  in  old  Pendleton  District,  now  Anderson  County,  South 
Carolina,  September  2t,,  1819.  He  was  of  Scotch-Irish  stock,  the 
first  of  his  ancestors  in  America,  Robert  Browne,  having  come  from 


^ 


•■^T     ^ir 


Dumfries,  Scotland,  and  settled  in  Anne  Arundel  County,  Maryland, 
in  1660;  his  grandfather,  another  Robert  Browne,  came  to  South 
Carolina  and  settled  in  Pendleton  District  in  1784. 

Growing  up  on  his  father's  farm,  his  educational  advantages  were 
meager,  an  occasional  term  at  the  neighborhood  "old  field"  school 
constituting  all  the  help  he  ever  enjoyed  from  a  teacher.  By  such 
early  training  a  substantial,  though  plain,  foundation  was  laid,  upon 
which  Sidi  Browne,  unaided,  perseveringly  did  mental  building  that 
qualified  him  for  the  beginning  of  a  life-work  which  developed  into 
a  wide  and  important  field. 

While  yet  a  youth  he  spent  two  years  clerking  in  a  mercantile  es- 
tablishment in  the  flourishing  town  of  Hamburg,  S.  C.  After  re- 
turning to  Anderson  County,  he  married,  July  10,  1838.  Miss  Eliza 
Emeline  Geer,  who  bore  him  a  son  and  a  daughter,  the  latter  sur- 
viving in  the  person  of  Mrs.  Sallie  B.  Smith,  of  Memphis.  Tenn. 
During  this  time  he  was  engaged  in  teaching  school.  Prior  to  his 
wife's  death  (which  occurred  in  1844).  he  came  into  a  vital  knowl- 
edge of  the  love  of  God  and  became  an  ailherent  of  the  religion  of 
Jesus  Christ.     His  experience  wrought  a  veritable  "conversion"  in 


62  Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


his  case:  it  was  distinct  and  clear — ^the  hour  and  circumstances  in 
which  he  found  salvation  unto  his  soul  remaining  vividly  in  mind 
through  the  last  days  of  his  life. 

Some  time  after  joining  the  Methodist  Church  he  became  im- 
pressed that  it  was  his  duty  to  preach  the  gospel.  Not  yielding  to 
the  impression,  his  enjoyment  of  religion  diminished.  For  quite  a 
while  he  continued  in  this  unhappy  state;  but  the  impression  grew 
into  a  profound  conviction  that  he  must  use  his  life  in  the  service  of 
Christ  and  his  fellow  men.  Ere  long  he  obeyed  the  call  and  offered 
himself  for  the  Methodist  ministry.  He  was  first  licensed  to  exhort ; 
then  to  preach ;  and  at  the  session  of  the  South  Carolina  Conference 
of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  South,  held  at  Fayetteville, 
N.  C,  in  December,  1845,  he  was  "admitted  on  trial"  into  that  body. 

His  Conference  work  was  as  follows:  1846,  Union  Circuit;  1847, 
Newberry  Circuit;  1848,  Cokesbury  Circuit;  1849,  Wilmington; 
1850,  Cokesbury  Circuit;  185 1-2,  Edgefield  Circuit;  1853,  Pendleton 
Circuit;  1854,  Sumter  Circuit;  1855-6,  Wadesboro  Circuit;  1857, 
Union  Circuit;  1858-59-60-61,  Wadesboro  District;  1862,  Ninety-Six 
Circuit;  1863-4-5-6,  Cokesbury  District;  1867,  Marion  Station;  1868, 
Marion  Street  Station,  Columbia;  1869-70-71-72,  Columbia  District; 
1873-74,  agent  Columbia  Female  College;  1875-76-77,  Aiken  Mis- 
sion; 1878-79-80-81,  Summerville  Station;  1882-83-84-85,  Florence 
District ;  1886-87,  Leesville  and  Concord. 

At  the  Conference  held  in  Spartanburg  in  December,  1887,  he  was 
granted  the  "superannuated"  relation,  in  which  he  continued  the 
rest  of  his  life.  From  first  to  last  he  never  missed  a  session  of  the 
Conference. 

Such  dates  and  names  set  forth  as  they  are  above  tell  no  more  of 
his  work  than  do  the  titles  of  many  books.  So  distasteful  to  him 
was  anything  like  self-praise  that  of  his  ministerial  work  this  writer 
never  heard  a  word  from  his  lips  which  would  convey  an  adequate 
idea  of  his  steadfast  and  successful  service,  though  he  spoke  often 
and  with  particularity  of  the  many  kindnesses  shown  him  on  his 
different  charges  from  first  to  last.  But  there  have  been  not  a  few 
men  and  women  in  the  last  half  a  century  who  have  appreciated  and 
srratefullv  borne  testimonv  to  the  faithfulness  and  fruitfulness  of  his 
labors  in  the  Master's  vineyard.  He  loved  his  work  and  his  fellow- 
workers,  and  he  appreciated  the  esteem  manifested  for  him.  He 
was  a  delegate  to  the  General  Conferences  of  the  Church  in  1862, 
1866  and  1874,  and  a  reserve  on  several  other  occasions.  As  a 
preacher,  he  was  plain,  it  being  his  desire  to  present  the  truths  of 
the  Gospel  in  such  a  manner  as  to  reach  the  simplest  as  well  as  the 
most  cultivated  minds. 

When  closing  his  second  appointment  to  Cokesbury  Circuit  he 
married  (Dec.  3,  1850)  Miss  Amelia  Martha  Bass,  daughter  of  Rev. 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


63 


Henry  Bass.  By  this  union  four  sons  and  two  daughters  were  born. 
All  of  them,  except  one  son,  preceded  their  parents  to  the  grave. 
After  a  ])eautiful  wedded  life  of  nearly  forty-five  years,  Mrs.  Browne 
died  in  1895.  In  his  family  life  the  husband  and  father  was  a 
grand  man — not  "commanding."  but  by  his  own  nobility  and  loving 
kindnesses  drawing  forth  the  love  and  admiration  of  wife  and 
children. 

He  established  The  Christian  Neighbor  in  Columbia,  S.  C,  on 
April  2,  1868,  since  which  time  it  has  continued  regularly  every 
week  to  advocate  the  principles  of  brotherly  love  enunciated  by 
Jesus  Christ,  the  Prince  of  Peace.  When  he  joined  the  South  Caro- 
lina Press  Association  in  1881  the  office  of  Chaplain  was  created, 
and  he  was  elected  to  fill  it,  and  every  year  since  he  has  been  hon- 
ored by  his  brethren  of  the  press  in  a  re-election. 


REV.  A.  N.  BRUNSON. 

The  South  Carolina  Conference  is  fortunate  in  having  such  a  large 
number  of  active,  well-qualified  and  successful  young  men.  To  this 
number  belongs  the  subject  of  this  sketch.  Rev.  Alexander  Nelson 


Brunson.  He  was  born  in  Greenville.  S.  C.  October  15,  1868,  and  is 
the  son  of  Mr.  George  \V.  Brunson  and  Mrs.  Sophia  S.  Brunson, 
{nee  Stephens). 


64  Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 

Brother  Brunson  has  had  most  excellent  educational  advantages 
and  he  has  made  good  use  of  them.  He  received  his  preparatory 
education  at  the  famous  Sheridan  Classical  Institute,  Orangeburg, 
S.  C,  during  the  palmy  days  of  that  great  teacher,  Prof.  Hugo  G. 
Sheridan.  From  this  school  he  went  to  the  South  Carolina  Military 
Academy,  Charleston,  S.  C,  graduating  from  that  institution  as 
captain  and  valedictorian  of  his  class  in  1888.  For  some  time  he 
attended  the  theological  department  of  Vanderbilt  University,  but 
left  before  graduating  in  order  to  join  the  Conference  and  enter  at 
once  upon  the  great  work  to  which  his  young  life  has  been  devoted. 

From  his  childhood  Brother  Brunson  felt  impressed  that  he  should 
preach  the  Gospel.  As  he  grew  up  this  impression  deepened  until  it 
became  irresistible.  He  joined  the  Conference  during  the  session 
held  at  Darlington,  S.  C,  December,  1891,  Bishop  John  C.  Gran- 
berry,  presiding.  A.  J.  Cauthen,  Jr.,  C.  Hovey  Clyde,  John  D. 
Crout,  James  H.  Thacker,  William  C.  Winn  and  Eli  M.  McKissick 
(from  the  Protestant  Methodist  Church)  joined  at  the  same  session. 
He  has  served  the  following  charges :  Leesville  Circuit,  1892 ;  Barn- 
well Circuit,  1893;  Blackville  Circuit,  1894;  Fountain  Inn  Circuit, 
1895;  Yorkville  Station,  1896-99;  Lancaster  Circuit,  1900;  York- 
ville  Station,  1901. 

Brother  Brunson  has  been  married  twice.  His  first  marriage  was 
to  Miss  Janie  Boyd  Jones,  of  Laurens,  S.  C,  who  lived  only  a  few 
months.  On  April  3rd,  1894,  he  was  married  to  Miss  S.  Philo  Jones 
of  Laurens,  S.  C,  a  sister  of  his  first  wife.  From  this  second  union 
two  children  have  been  born — George  W.,  Jr.,  born  April  4,  1897, 
and  Alexander  N.,  Jr.,  born  May  10,  1899. 

Our  young  friend  is  making  a  splendid  record  in  the  Conference. 
He  is  a  strong  preacher,  a  kind  and  thoughtful  pastor  and  a  success- 
ful worker. 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


65 


REV.  C.  B.  BURNS. 

Rev.  Connor  Black  Burns  was  born  June  25,  1869,  near  Pendle- 
ton, S.  C,  and  is  the  son  of  R.  M.  and  A.  B.  Burns. 

Reared  in  a  Christian  home  where  the  study  of  the  Bible  and 
reading  good  literature  were  prominent,  he  early  gave  attention  to 


religion,  lie  joined  the  Church  at  ten  years  of  age.  Attended 
regularly  the  common  and  high  schools  of  country  and  towns  until 
grown.  Taught  school  very  successfully  in  his  native  countv  four 
years.    He  is  still  a  close  and  persevering  student. 

He  was  converted  when  seventeen  years  old  and  immediatelv  felt 
called  to  preach.  Taking  care  to  ascertain  that  the  intluence  was 
of  God,  he  consecrated  himself  to  the  ministr\-.  Atlmitted  into  the 
South  Carolina  Annual  Conference  at  Laurens,  December,  1894,  he 
was  sent  as  Junior  Preacher  to  Johnsonville  Circuit  and  served  that 
charge  during  1895.  with  Rev.  X.  K.  Melton  as  Senior.  He  was 
appointed  to  Cheraw  Circuit  for  1896.  Westminster  Circuit  for 
1897,  Traveler's  Rest  Circuit  for  1898.  Santuc  for  1899,  1900.  i(>oi. 

On  April  12.  1896,  he  was  married  to  Miss  Pearl  Sadler,  daughter 
of  Mr.  David  F.  Sadler,  of  Anderson. 

In  the  pastorate  he  is  ever  watchful  and  attentive  to  all  classes. 
In  the  pulpit  he  is  earnest  and  clear,  showing  that  there  has  been 
diligent  pre])aration. 

5-S. 


^  Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 

In  his  associations  he  shows  a  retiring  disposition  but  is  sympa- 
thetic, forming  many  strong  friendships.  He  gives  much  attention 
to  current  Hterature  and  good  books.  In  his  family  he  is  ever 
responsive  and  affectionate. 


REV.  D.  A.  CALHOTJN. 

Rev.  Duncan  Archibald  Calhoun,  son  of  Mr.  John  Calhoun  and 
Mrs.  Aminta  Bristow  Calhoun,  was  born  in  Marlboro  County,  S.  C, 
August  26,  1845.  His  educational  advantages  were  such  as  the 
schools  and  academies  of  the  county  afforded,  principally  Clio  and 
Hebron  Academies.  Here  the  writer  wishes  to  insert  an  extract 
from  the  brief  data  furnished  him  for  this  sketch.  Brother  Calhoun 
says :  ''Our  studies  were  Mitchel's  Geography,  Davis'  Arithmetic, 
Smith's  Grammar  and  the  old  Blue  Back  Speller.  Diplomas  were 
blue  streaked  legs  made  with  long  opossum  haw  and  chinquepin 
switches,  laid  on  vigorously."  The  influence  of  the  studies  and  the 
diploma  doubtless  lingers  with  our  brother  till  this  good  day. 

Brother  Calhoun  was  converted  at  Little  Rock,  S.  C,  in  the  St. 
Paul's  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  South,  during  the  ministry  of 
Rev.  John  H.  Zimmerman.  He  at  once  felt  called  to  preach,  and 
yielded  to  the  Divine  call.  He  was  first  licensed  to  exhort,  and  after- 
wards to  preach.  Rev.  J.  Marion  Boyd  being  the  Presiding  Elder, 
During  the  year  1885  he  served  as  a  supply  on  the  Pee  Dee  Mission. 
In  December  of  that  year  he  was  admitted  into  the  Conference  on 
trial,  with  E.  B.  Loyfess,  A.  Frank  Berry,  E.  Olin  Watson,  J.  M. 
Steadman,  T.  C.  O'Dell,  J.  Fletcher  Anderson,  A.  M.  Attaway,  T.  C. 
Ligon,  Walter  I.  Herbert  and  John  Owen.  His  charges  have  been 
as  follows:  South  Branchville  Circuit,  1886;  Salters  Circuit,  1887; 
Cainhoy,  1888-9;  Richland  Circuit,  1890;  Pee  Dee,  1891-2;  Conway 
Circuit,  1893-5;  Waccamaw,  1896-9;  Grover  Circuit,  1900-1. 

Brother  Calhoun  was  married  June  25,  1869,  to  Miss  Rebecca  Ann 
Huestess.  They  have  five  children — Wade  H.,  John  C,  James  A., 
Duncan  N.  and  Alexander  B. 

Brother  Calhoun  is  true  to  the  core.  His  great  modesty  will  not 
allow  him  to  appear  at  his  real  worth.  His  sermons  are  excellent, 
prepared  with  great  care,  and  delivered  with  effectiveness.  Many 
are  led  to  Christ  under  his  preaching. 


TWEXTIETH    CeXTL'RY    SKETCHES. 


67 


REV.  JAMES  A.  CAMPBELL. 

Rev.  James  Alexander  Campbell  belongs  to  that  large  class  of  ris- 
ing young  men  in  the  South  Carolina  Conference.  He  is  the  son 
of  Rev.  J.  B.  Campbell,  one  of  the  most  prominent  members  of  our 
Conference,  and  Mrs.  Ervenia  Campbell.     He  was  born  on  the  first 


day  of  June,  1865. 

His  school  life  began  in  Orangeburg,  S.  C,  under  one  of  the  best 
and  kindest  teachers,  "Aunt  Celena  Evins."  After  three  years  un- 
der the  influence  and  instruction  of  this  good  woman,  our  young 
friend  attended  various  schools  throughout  the  State.  In  October, 
1882,  he  entered  Wofford  College  and  graduated  therefrom  in  the 
class  of  1886. 

Brother  Campbell  first  realized  the  divine  call  to  the  ministry  in 
the  year  1890,  while  teaching  in  the  town  of  Bennettsville,  S.  C.  He 
did  not,  however,  respond  to  the  call  immediately,  but  kept  striving 
to  evade  the  duty  of  preaching.  This  neglect  of  a  plain  duty  had  its 
hurtful  effect  upon  his  spiritual  condition.  In  1893,  at  a  meeting  at 
old  New  Hope  Church,  on  the  Cypress  Circuit,  conducted  by  Rev. 
W.  A.  Wright,  he  felt  again  the  love  of  God  in  his  heart  and  decided 
to  accept  the  divinely  appointed  work.  He  was  licensed  to  preach 
at  the  Fourth  Quarterly  Conference  of  Cypress  Circuit,  held  at 
Cypress  Camp  Ground,  October  26,  1893,  Rev.  R.  Newton  Wells, 
D.  D.,  being  the  Presiding  Elder. 


68  Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 

In  November,  1893,  Brother  Campbell,  with  L.  L.  Bedenbaugh, 
T.  Grigsby  Herbert,  W.  A.  Massebeau,  R.  E.  Mood,  G.  E.  Stokes, 
J.  B.  Harris  and  Peter  Stokes,  was  received  into  the  South  Carolina 
Conference  at  Sumter,  S.  C,  Bishop  Hargrove  presiding. 

His  labors  have  been  as  follows:  Waterloo  Circuit,  1894-6;  Fort 
Mill  Circuit,  1897-8;  Little  Rock  Circuit,  1899-1901.  In  these 
charges  success  has  attended  the  labors  of  our  friend.  His  preach- 
ing is  plain  and  practical  and  is  fruitful  in  results.  He  is  ever  on 
the  alert  for  the  best  interests  of  the  charge,  and  takes  special  pains 
to  leave  everything  in  fine  shape  for  his  successor.  In  moving  from 
a  field  of  labor  he  is  careful  to  leave  the  parsonage  and  its  surround- 
ings in  good  condition. 

Brother  Campbell  was  married  on  January  20,  1892,  near  Sum- 
merville,  S.  C,  to  Miss  Dora  Byrd.  They  have  four  children : 
Louise  Ervenia,  born  April  7,  1893;  Carlisle  Caston,  born  at  Water- 
loo, S.  C,  May  15,  1895;  Ervenia,  born  at  Waterloo,  November  7, 
1896;  James  Alexander,  Jr.,  born  at  Fort  ^Mill,  S.  C,  July  7,  1898. 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


69 


REV.  J.  B.  CAMPBELL. 

The  subject  of  this  sketch,  Rev.  James  Boykin  Campbell,  has  for 
many  years  been  one  of  the  most  prominent  members  of  our  Con- 
ference and  a  leader  in  South  Carolina  Methodism.  He  was  born 
April  7,  1837.     His  father,    Alexander    Campbell,    was    of  Scotch 


Presbyterian  stock.  His  mother's  maiden  name  was  Miss  Elizabeth 
Sims  Corbet. 

He  was  educated  in  the  best  schools  and  academies  of  Sumter 
County.  He  left  school  at  the  age  of  eighteen  years  and  entered 
business  as  a  clerk  in  a  large  dry  goods  establishment  in  Charles- 
ton, S.  C. 

He  was  converted  in  Trinity  Church.  Charleston,  April  12,  1858, 
under  the  ministry  of  Rev.  J.  T.  W'ightman,  D.  D.  As  he  went  for- 
ward to  give  his  hand  to  the  preacher  he  was  joyously  converted  in 
a  moment  and  yet  he  did  not  experience  the  Witness  of  Spirit  until 
a  service  that  afternoon  held  at  Ijcthel  Church.  Within  a  few  weeks 
after  his  conversion,  Brother  Campbell  felt  satisfied  as  to  the  Divine 
call  to  preach.  The  call  was  so  clear  and  unmistakable  that  he  has 
never  doubted  it. 

In  November,  1859,  Brother  Campbell  joined  the  South  Carolina 
Conference,  having  as  his  classmates  Thomas  J.  Clyde,  John  W. 
Humbert  and  Andrew  Jackson  Stokes.  Since  his  reception  on  trial 
he  has  served  as  follows :    Jimior  preacher,  with  Rev.  G.  W.  Ivey, 


70  Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 

on  Marion  Circuit,  i860;  Lynch's  Creek  Circuit,  1861 ;  junior 
preacher,  with  Trac}'  Walsh,  on  Bennettsville  Circuit,  1862;  Marion 
Circuit,  with  Rev.  Thomas  Mitchell,  1863.  I^"^  September  of  this 
year  he  left  the  circuit,  by  the  consent  of  the  Quarterly  Conference, 
to  act  as  Chaplain  of  the  Sixth  Regiment  of  Cavalry.  Lynch's  Creek 
Circuit,  1865-7;  Santee  Circuit,  1868-70;  Black  Swamp  Circuit, 
1871 ;  Darlington  Circuit,  1872-3;  Orangeburg  Station,  1874-6; 
Graniteville,  1877;  Union,  1878;  Newberry  Station,  1879-81;  Rich- 
burg  Circuit,  1882;  Spartanburg  Station,  1883-5;  Buncombe  Street, 
Greenville,  1886-7;  Summerville  Station,  1888-9;  Beaufort  Station, 
1890-1 ;  Cokesbury  District,  1892-5;  Rock  Hill  District,  1896-9;  An- 
derson Station,  1900-1901.  In  all  of  these.  Brother  Campbell  has 
been  loyal  and  faithful,  and  a  good  degree  of  success  has  attended 
his  labors.  At  some  places  he  has  had  phenomenal  success.  His 
first  year  was  one  of  great  victory,  he  having  the  pleasure  of  re- 
ceiving one  hundred  and  twenty-three  people  into  the  Church. 
While  he  was  pastor  on  the  Santee  Circuit,  a  young  lad  was  con- 
verted who  afterwards  became  the  famous  R.  Newton  Wells,  D.  D., 
who  for  so  many  years  was  a  popular  member  of  our  Conference. 

Our  dear  brother  is  now  in  his  forty-second  year  in  the  Confer- 
ence, and  in  all  this  time  has  taken  only  one  vacation,  and  that  for 
only  two  weeks,  and  by  the  advice  of  his  physician,  after  a  protracted 
case  of  fever.  In  many  of  his  charges  he  has  had  great  revivals, 
in  which  he  generally  did  the  preaching  himself.  Occasionally  he 
would  call  a  brother  pastor  to  his  aid.  His  preaching  is  strong  and 
clear,  with  sufficient  illustration  to  enable  the  hearer  to  fully  grasp 
the  thought.     He  is  a  diligent  and  attentive  pastor. 

On  September  6,  1864,  Brother  Campbell  was  married  to  Mrs.  E. 
E.  Davis,  daughter  of  Mr.  Wm.  F.  Richardson  and  Mrs.  Martha 
Richardson,  Rev.  J.  W.  Crider,  of  Virginia,  officiating.  Of  this 
union  seven  children  were  born — James  Alexander,  now  a  rising 
young  member  of  the  Conference,  John  S.,  of  Anderson,  S.  C,  and 
five  daughters. 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


71 


REV.  M.  L.  CARLISLE,  D.  D. 

The  South  CaroHna  Conference  has  no  finer  specimen  of  well- 
rounded  nianliood  than  is  found  in  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  Rev. 
Alark  L.  CarHsle.  He  is  a  fine  specimen  of  physical  manhood,  a 
good  illustration  of  intellectual  development,  and  a  striking  embodi- 


ment of  spiritual  force  and  influence. 

He  is  the  son  of  Rev.  John  ]\I.  Carlisle,  one  of  the  most  highly  hon- 
ored members  of  the  Conference,  and  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Carlisle.  He 
was  born  at  Pendleton.  S.  C.  on  October  13,  1863. 

Brother  Carlisle  has  had  the  very  best  educational  advantages. 
His  preparatory  training  was  received  in  the  usual  schools  of  the 
country.  His  collegiate  training  was  received  at  Woft'ord  College, 
where,  in  1882,  he  won  the  Greek  medal,  and  from  which  institution 
he  graduated  in  June,  1883,  with  the  first  honor  of  his  class.  While 
in  college,  he  made  a  specialty  of  the  languages.  His  purpose  was 
to  teach,  so  he  earnestly  tried  to  mastei-  everything  in  the  college 
course  so  that  he  might  be  fully  prepared  for  his  life-work.  But 
God  had  even  a  better  work  than  this  for  his  servant. 

Brother  Carlisle  was  converted  in  1885  at  Marion,  S.  C,  and  the 
divine  call  to  preach  came  immediately.  The  call  was  so  clear  and 
distinct  that  he  had  nothing  to  do  but  yield  himself  ami  enter  with 
all  his  soul  into  the  work. 

During  the  session  of  the  Conference  held  at  Orangeburg,  S.  C, 


72  Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 

in  December,  1886,  Brother  Carlisle,  with  A.  W.  Attaway,  John  A. 
Rice,  C.  W.  Creighton,  M.  W.  Hook  and  Preston  L.  Kirton,  was 
received  on  trial. 

He  has  labored  in  the  following  fields :  Clifton  Circuit,  1887 ;  Wal- 
halla  Circuit,  1888-90;  Camden  Station,  1891-4;  Chester  Station, 
1895-6;  Central  Church,  Spartanburg,  1897-1900.  At  the  recent 
session  of  the  Conference  he  was  sent  to  Washington  Street,  Colum- 
bia, where  he  has  most  auspiciously  entered  upon  the  year's  work. 

As  a  preacher,  Brother  Carlisle  is  far  above  the  ordinary.  His 
style  is  quiet  and  conversational.  His  object  is  to  quietly  inject  into 
the  minds  and  hearts  of  his  hearers  truths  that  are  destined  to  pro- 
duce a  harvest  in  life  and  character.  His  life  is  controlled  by  a  great 
purpose  and  with  continued  health  and  strength  our  3'oung  friend 
will  ultimately  reach  the  goal  of  a  great  ministry.  In  June,  1901, 
Wofiford  College  conferred  the  honorary  degree  of  D.  D.  upon  him. 


REV.  JOHN  ELAM  CARLISLE,  A.  M. 

The  subject  of  this  sketch  is  the  eldest  child  of  Rev.  John  M. 
and  Mrs.  Elizabeth  C.  Carlisle.  He  was  born  at  Cokesbury,  S.  C, 
May  loth,  185 1.  On  May  2nd,  1877,  he  married  Miss  Emma 
Legare  Jones,  daughter  of  Rev.  S.  B.  Jones,  D.  D.  She  died  August 
7th,  1894,  leaving  no  children.  He  married  again,  Nov.  6th,  1895, 
the  lady  being  ]\Iiss  Katharine  Roland,  of  Laurens,  S.  C. 

His  preparatory  education  was  obtained  in  common  schools  during 
boyhood.  Preparation  for  college  was  made  under  'Sir.  J.  A.  Town- 
send,  at  Williamston.  S.  C,  and  Prof.  W.  J.  Ligon.  at  Anderson, 
S.  C.  He  entered  Wofiford  College  in  October,  1869,  and  was  grad- 
uated on  June  25th.  1873,  with  degree  of  A.  B.  He  subsequently 
received  degree  of  A.  M. 

While  in  college  he  felt  moved  to  preach  the  Gospel,  but  resisted 
for  several  months,  finally  yielding  in  May,  1872.  In  August  of 
the  same  year  he  was  licensed  to  preach  at  Sumter,  S.  C.  In  De- 
cember, 1873,  he  was  admitted  into  the  South  Carolina  Conference 
on  trial,  since  which  time  he  has  served  continuously.  In  December, 
1875,  he  was  ordained  Deacon  by  Bishop  Keener,  at  Orangeburg; 
and  in  1877,  Elder,  by  Bishop  Doggett,  at  Columbia. 

He  has  served  the  following  charges:  Cheraw  Station,  1874-5; 
Yorkville  Station,  1876;  Chester  Station,  1877-8;  Anderson  Station, 
1879-82;  Union  Station,  1883-4;  Orangeburg  Station,  1885-7; 
Spring  Street,  Charleston,  1888-9;  Summerville  Station,  1890-2; 
Darlington  Station,  1893-4;  Laurens  Station,  1895;  Union  Station 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches.  -j2> 


(second  time),  1896-7:  Lancaster  Station,  1898-9;  \\'alterboro  Sta- 
tion, 1900. 

Brother  Carlisle  is  a  strong  preacher,  expressing  forceful  thoughts 
in  fluent  style.  He  does  not  i)reach  metaphysics,  but  the  plain  Gospel 
of  Christ,  and  his  aim  in  preaching  is  not  to  gain  the  admiration  of 
his  hearers,  but  to  save  souls  and  lead  men  to  better  lives.  He  is  an 
extremely  modest  man,  and  only  those  who  know  him  intimately 
appreciate  his  full  worth. 


REV.  J.  M.  CARLISLE. 

John  Alason  Carlisle  was  born  October  29th,  1826.  His  father 
was  John  Carlisle  and  his  mother  was  Susan  Mason.  The  former 
was  from  County  Antrim.  Ireland,  and  was  of  Scotch-Irish  descent. 
The  latter  was  of  English-X'irginian  descent. 

The  birthplace  of  the  subject  was  in  Fairfield  County,  but  most  of 
his  boyhood  was  spent  in  Chester  County.  His  education  was  ob- 
tained in  common  schools,  and  in  Cokesbury  Conference  School.  He 
was  prepared  to  enter  the  South  Carolina  College,  but  did  not  do  so. 

On  the  30th  of  April.  1850.  he  married  Elizabeth  Catharine 
Sharpe,  of  Pendleton,  S.  C.  She  died  suddenly  of  heart-failure, 
Feb.  1 2th,  1889,  s'kI  \vas  buried  in  Spartanburg,  S.  C. 

Seven  children  were  born  to  them:  John  E.,  William  M.,  Edwin 
S..  James  B..  Charles  H.,  Susan  Elizabeth,  and  Marcus  L.  All  are 
living  but  \\'illiam  Mason,  who  died  in  1871.  and  is  buried  in  Trin- 
ity churchyard.  Charleston.  John  E.  and  Mark  L.  are  preachers  and 
members  of  this  Conference.  The  daughter  is  Airs.  J.  K.  Jennings, 
of  Spartanburg. 

The  subject  was  born  October  29,  1826;  joined  the  Church  Sep- 
tember. 1842.  was  admitted  on  trial  in  the  Conference  December  25th. 
1844:  located  December  1848:  remained  local  eleven  years,  two  of 
which  he  was  President  of  Holston  Conference  Female  College. 
Asheville.  X.  C. :  was  readmitted  December.  1859;  was  superann- 
uated December,  1887. 

During  these  years  he  served  the  following  charges :  Columbia 
Circuit.  1845:  Edgefield  Circuit,  1846:  Pendleton  Circuit.  1847; 
Montgomery  Circuit  (X.  C),  1848:  at  end  of  this  year  was  ordained 
Elder  by  Bisho])  Capers,  who  had  ordained  him  Deacon  in  1846,  and 
located.  Being  readmitted.  December,  1859.  he  served  as  follows: 
Ninety-Six  Circuit.  1860-61  (part  of  1861  he  was  chaplain  in  the 
army  with  the  Seventh  Regiment.  S.  C.  \'olunteers)  ;  Cokesbury  Cir- 
cuit. 1862-63  (part  of  1863  he  was  again  chaplain  with  same  regi- 
ment) ;  Pendleton  Circuit.   i864-r)5:  Mt.  Zion  Circuit.  i8()();  \\'al- 


74  Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 

halla  Circuit,  1867;  Pickens  Circuit,  1868;  Williamston  Circuit, 
1869;  Tumbling  Shoals  Circuit,  1870;  Trinity,  Charleston,  1871  ; 
Sumter  Station,  1872-73-74;  Bennettsville  Circuit,  1875-76;  Spar- 
tanburg Station.  1877-78;  Spartanburg  District,  1879-80-81-82; 
Chester  Station,  1883-84;  Union  Station,  1885-86;  Laurens  Station, 
1887.  At  the  end  of  this  year  he  was  superannuated,  since  which 
time  he  has  lived  mainly  in  Spartanburg  with  his  daughter,  Mrs. 
Jennings.  His  health  has  gradually  failed,  until  he  has  become  very 
feeble,  not  expecting  to  continue  here  very  much  longer,  but  calmly, 
because  trustfully,  awaiting  the  summons  of  Him  whose  he  is  and 
whom  he  has  been  serving. 

No  member  of  the  Conference  has  ever  made  a  better  record  than 
Brother  Carlisle.  In  all  the  positions  he  filled — pastor,  presiding  el- 
der, college  president,  etc. — he  ever  left  the  impress  of  a  noble  life. 
As  a  preacher,  he  was  thoughtful  and,  at  times,  powerful.  The  re- 
ward of  such  a  life  can  be  nothing  else  than  eternal  peace  and  happi- 
ness. 


REV.  A.  J.  CAUTHEN. 

Rev.  Andrew  Jackson  Cauthen  is  a  native  of  Lancaster  County. 
His  parents  (Thomas  and  Nancy  Cauthen)  named  him  for  another 
Lancastrian — "Old  Hickorv,"  who  was  born  in  the  Waxhaw  settle- 


ment, near  the  North  Carolina  line.     He  first  saw  the  light  Sept.  6, 
1829.     He  early  yielded  to  the  gracious  influences  by  which  he  was 


TwENTlIiTII    CeXTURV    SKETCHES.  75 

surrounded  from  his  birth  and  while  a  youth  became  a  Christian  and 
a  ]\Iethodist.  He  felt  and  acknowledged  a  call  to  preach  when  quite 
young.  At  17  he  was  an  exhorter ;  at  18  a  preacher,  and  at  19  (Dec. 
26,  1848,)  was  admitted  on  trial  into  the  South  Carolina  Conference. 
He  has  given  more  than  half  a  century  of  continuous  work  to  the 
Conference.  The  closing  year  of  the  century  is  the  52nd  year  of  a 
blameless,  consecrated,  useful,  successful  and  honored  ministry  in 
the  Conference.  What  a  crown  of  glory  to  his  venerable  head  and 
w^hat  a  rich  legacy  to  his  children  and  their  offspring!  Such  a  life 
and  career  as  his  has  had  much  to  do  in  the  formation  of  the  high 
character  of  the  Conference  of  which  for  so  many  years  he  has  been 
a  member  and  an  ornament.  Xo  man  of  his  Conference  has  estab- 
lished a  finer  character  or  has  a  higher  reputation  for  Christian  con- 
sistency, faithful  and  conscientious  service.  He  has  served  five  vears 
on  stations,  eight  on  missions,  twelve  on  districts  and  the  rest  of  his 
ministry  on  circuits.  He  was  appointed  twice  at  different  times  to 
two  of  the  fields  he  has  served,  and  three  times  to  another.  These 
sixteen  different  appointments  constitute  some  of  the  most  important 
and  influential  charges  of  the  Conference.  Others,  especially  those 
in  his  earlier  ministry,  were  humbler  fields,  but  he  has  constantly 
gone  without  hesitation  to  wherever  he  has  been  sent  and  has  made 
good  use  of  his  opportunity  and  full  proof  of  his  ministry.  He  is 
a  spiritual  and  edifying  preacher.  He  has  seals  to  his  ministry  in 
many  who  have  come  to  Christ  in  his  different  fields,  as  in  many 
who  have  been  comforted  and  helped  by  his  preaching  and  personal 
work.  He  early  made  the  reputation  of  being  a  model  pastor.  He 
is  a  sweet  singer,  and  this  has  been  to  him  a  means  of  grace  and  use- 
fulness. He  has  been  a  wise  administrator  of  Church  interests  and 
in  proof  of  this  has  served  as  Presiding  Elder  for  three  full  terms. 
Mr.  Cauthcn  was  married  in  his  young  manhood  to  Miss  Elizabeth, 
daughter  of  Simon  and  E.  J.  Beckham.  The  Beckhams  were  promi- 
nent Methodist  people  of  his  native  County.  Ten  children  are  the 
fruit  of  this  marriage,  all  of  whom  are  living  (May,  1900,)  except 
one,  and  all  of  whom  without  exception  became  members  of  the 
Church  of  their  parents.  One,  Robert  T.  S.,  a  promising  young 
man,  died  at  the  age  of  twenty-two.  Two  other  sons — Andrew 
Jackson,  Jr.,  and  Henry  J. — are  growing  and  rising  members  of  the 
South  Carolina  Conference.  Mr.  Cauthen  was  educated  in  the  home 
schools  of  his  native  County  and  at  the  Cokesbury  Conference  School, 
which  institution  was  for  many  years  the  "school  of  the  prophets" 
for  South  Carolina  Methodism. 


76 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


REV.  A.  J.  CATJTHEN,  JR. 

Rev.  Andrew  Jackson  Cauthen,  Jr.,  was  born  in  Fairfield  County, 
S.  C,  September  ii,  1866.  His  father,  Rev.  A.  J.  Cauthen,  Sr,.  has 
been  an  itinerant  in  the  South  Carohna  Conference  since  1848,  and 
our  young  itinerant  had,  therefore,  the  whole  State  for  his  home. 


He  enjoyed  the  inestimable  advantage  of  being  reared  by  a  mother 
who  considered  the  proper  rearing  of  a  child  the  highest  and  holiest 
trust  ever  committed  to  a  woman's  hands  and  heart.  Added  to  the 
training  of  a  home  that  was  saturated  wath  the  spirit  of  prayer  and 
righteousness,  was  the  training  of  as  good  preparatory  schools  as 
our  State  then  possessed.  A  naturally  receptive  nature  was  in  these 
early  years  sowed  with  the  seed  that  were  to  issue  in  the  convictions, 
principles  and  purposes  that  underlie  the  character  of  to-day. 

While  yet  a  child,  eleven  years  of  age,  Mr.  Cauthen  was  unmis- 
takably converted  at  Binnaker's  campmeeting.  As  in  every  genuine 
conversion,  the  new  birth  vitalized  and  adjusted  all  the  forces  of 
heredity  and  all  acquired  resources,  and  left  him  responsive  to  the 
call  of  God.  But  the  call  to  the  ministry  was  not  yet.  The  young 
man  rapidly  developed  aptitude  for  business,  and  to  fit  kimself  for  a 
business  career  entered  Saddler's  Business  College,  Baltimore,  Md., 
from  which  he  was  duly  graduated  in  May,  1886.  But  God  had 
other  plans.  It  was  in  the  pulpit,  not  the  counting-room,  his  life 
was  to  be  spent.     The  call  to  preach  was  as  unmistakable  as  his  con- 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches.  'J'j 

version.  The  call  to  preach  meant  to  him.  however,  a  call  to  get 
ready,  and  so  in  February,  1888,  he  entered  W'offord  College  to  pre- 
pare for  the  ministry.  In  June,  1890,  he  was  licensed  to  preach  by 
the  Greenwood  Quarterly  Conference,  at  Tran(|uil  Church,  A.  J. 
Cauthen,  Sr.,  being  Presiding  Elder,  and  R.  E.  Stackhouse.  preacher 
in  charge.  In  1891  he  graduated  from  W^offord  College,  and  was 
soon  appointed  to  the  Gaffney  Circuit,  Rev.  M.  O.  Ligon  having  re- 
moved to  Oregon.  He  was  admitted  on  trial  into  the  South  Caro- 
lina Conference  at  Darlington,  at  the  session  of  1891  :  was  ordained 
Deacon  by  Bishop  Hargrove,  at  Sumter,  in  1893.  and  Elder  by 
Bishop  Galloway,  at  Rock  Hill,  in  1895.  Since  admission.  Mr. 
Cauthen  has  served  the  following  charges  :  Monticello.  1892  ;  Edisto, 
1893-94-95;  Little  Rock,  1896-97-98;  Allendale.  1899-1900.  From 
the  beginning,  the  Divine  approval  has  attended  his  ministry.  In  all 
the  fields  in  which  he  has  labored  there  has  been  a  general  building 
up  of  all  the  material  and  spiritual  interests  of  our  Zion.  revival  fires 
have  steadilv  burned,  and  many  "have  l)cen  added  to  the  Church 
of  such  as  shall  be  saved." 

The  results  of  his  business  training  are  manifest  in  all  of  Mr. 
Cauthen's  work.  Exactness,  method  and  punctuality  characterize  all 
his  undertakings.  He  is  one  of  our  most  faithful  pastors,  relying 
largely  upon  personal,  hand-to-hand  work,  systematically  overseeing 
the  Sunday  school,  missionary,  reading  and  financial,  as  well  as  spir- 
itual interests  of  his  churches. 

As  a  preacher,  IMr.  Cauthen  is  terse,  clear,  strong,  practical  and 
helpful.  His  characteristic  method  of  preaching  is  textual — as  a 
rule  the  most  helpful  preaching  a  man  can  do, — though  he  some- 
times does  subject-preaching  with  fine  effect.  In  clear  and  forceful 
diction,  abounding  in  apt  illustrations,  he  unfolds  the  meaning  of 
his  text,  relying  for  its  application  upon  the  Holy  Spirit.  His  de- 
livery is  easy  and  attractive.  Mr.  Cauthen  has  bought  carefully 
selected  books  as  rapidly  as  he  could  read  them,  and  has  been  a  grow- 
ing preacher  since  his  first  entrance  into  the  Conference. 

On  the  i6th  of  November.  1892.  he  was  married  to  Miss  Mattie 
:Marshall  Anderson,  daughter  of  Dr.  W.  Lewis  Anderson,  of  Abbe- 
ville County.  Four  children — all  sons — have  crowned  this  union, 
and  a  happy,  beautiful  home-life  is  that  of  the  Cauthens. 


y8  Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 

REV.  HENRY  J.  CAUTHEN. 

There  is  much  in  an  excellent  ancestry.  Blended  in  the  subject 
of  this  sketch  is  some  of  the  purest  and  best  blood  of  South  Carolina 
— a  blood  that  has  in  it  courage,  honesty,  industry  and  settled  deter- 
mination. 


He  is  the  son  of  Rev.  Andrew  J.  and  Mrs.  M.  E.  Cauthen.  He 
was  born  in  the  parsonage  at  Lowndes ville,  S.  C,  Nov.  15,  1871. 
His  early  life  was  enchained  by  all  the  diamonds  of  the  purest  train- 
ing. Upon  his  opening  years  shined  the  brightest  stars  of  God's 
favor.  When  ready  for  college  he  was  sent  where  every  Methodist 
boy  in  the  State  should  go,  and  that  is  to  Wofford  College. 

Here  he  was  a  success  in  his  classes  and  on  the  athletic  field.  He 
showed  himself  strong  mentally  and  strong  physically.  It  was  with 
honor  that  he  received  his  A.  B. 

He  has  "the  gift  of  a  ready  writer."  While  a  student  he  was  the 
editor  of  the  Wofford  College  Journal.  Since  that  time  he  has  been 
connected  with  some  very  prominent  daily  papers.  He  has  in  him 
the  elements  out  of  which  a  splendid  editor  could  be  moulded. 

There  was  no  doubt  about  his  call  to  preach.  It  came  when  he 
was  superintendent  of  the  Kershaw  Graded  School.  He  "was  not 
disobedient  to  the  heavenly  vision."  To  perfect  himself  for  the 
work  he  took  a  course  in  theology-  at  Vanderbilt  University. 

He  was  admitted  on  trial  in    the    South    Carolina  Conference  at 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches.  79 

Laurens,  S.  C,  December,  1894.  He  has  served  the  following  sta- 
tions :    Blacksbiirg,  Cheraw  and  Timmonsville. 

As  a  preacher  he  is  clear,  simple,  deep  and  very  instructive.  As 
he  warms  with  his  subject  his  language  is  eloquent  and  thrilling. 
JMoving  steadily  forward  as  he  is,  his  future  as  a  preacher  glitters 
with  the  brightest  promise.  "The  old  and  the  voung  hear  him 
gladly." 

He  revealed  great  wisdom  in  the  selection  of  a  wife.  She  was 
the  daughter  of  Hon.  H.  W.  Finlayson,  of  Cheraw,  S.  C.  I  have 
been  in  his  parsonage  and  I  speak  what  I  know  when  I  write  that 
she  is  one  of  the  best  of  wives.  She  knows  just  iiow  to  make  her 
home  a  paradise  on  earth.  Fortunate  was  my  friend  when  he  se- 
cured such  a  splendid  woman.  They  have  one  child,  Henry  Fin- 
layson Cauthen. 

As  a  man  and  a  Christian,  Brother  Cauthen  is  polite,  genial,  true, 
brave  and  consecrated.  He  never  comes  before  any  man  veneered. 
He  is  what  he  is  without  any  deception.  Standing  as  he  does,  a 
3'oung  man,  facing  what  promises  to  be  the  most  marvelous  of  cen- 
turies, he  is  sure  to  make  a  record  of  which  any  man  may  be  proud. 


8o 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


REV.  JOHN  C.  CHANDLER. 

Rev.  John  Calhoun  Chandler  is  one  of  the  most  thoroughly  con- 
secrated members  of  the  Conference.  He  was  born  January  g,  1855, 
and  is  the  son  of  Mr.  John  M.  Chandler  and  Mrs.  Lillie  J.  Chandler. 
His  mother  was  a  Miss  Winn,  a  sister  of  Mr.  D.  J.  Winn,  who  was 
for  about  forty  years  a  leading  merchant  in  Sumter,  S.  C. 


Brother  Chandler's  primary  and  preparatory  education  was  re- 
ceived in  the  Sumter  Academy  and  in  private  schools  in  Sumter, 
taught  by  Miss  Sarah  Styles,  Mr.  Thos.  P.  McQueen  and  Messrs. 
Bartlett  and  Gay.  He  entered  Wofford  College  in  October,  1876, 
and  graduated  therefrom  in  June,  1880,  with  the  B.  S.  degree. 
When  the  subject  of  this  sketch  was  only  six  years  old,  his  father 
died,  and  the  mother  was  unable  to  educate  him ;  so  he  had  to  work 
his  own  way.  He  had  steadily  grown  in  favor  with  the  people  until 
his  services  were  in  demand.  He  had  a  lucrative  position  with  "Sir. 
A.  A.  Solomons,  of  Sumter,  S.  C,  when  he  decided  to  go  to  college 
and  prepare  himself  for  his  great  life-work.  The  proprietor  offered 
to  increase  his  salary  if  he  would  stay,  but  God's  call  to  duty  was 
louder  and  stronger  than  that  of  men  or  money. 

He  was  able  to  complete  his  college  course  by  borrowing  a  small 
amount  from  three  friends.  Dr.  D.  A.  McCallum,  A.  S.  Brown  and 
T.  S.  Joye.  This  amount  was  returned  the  year  after  his  graduation. 
From  December,  1880,  to  June,    1881,    he    taught    in  the  Manning 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches.  8i 

Academy  with  Rev.  Henry  M.  Mood  and  his  wife.  He  was  success- 
ful as  a  teacher,  makin,<,f  many  warm  friends  in  Manning. 

Under  the  godly  intluence  of  his  precious  mother,  young  Chand- 
ler was  led  to  Christ  in  early  life.  He  was  received  into  the  Church 
in  March,  1870,  by  Rev.  Henry  M.  Mood.  He  was  also  impressed 
early  in  life  that  it  was  his  duty  to  preach.  He  was  licensed  to  ex- 
hort, along  with  J-  Thomas  Pate,  by  the  Quarterly  Conference  of 
Spartanburg  Station,  February  17,  1877,  Rev.  Henry  M.  Mood  being 
the  Presiding  Elder.  He  was  licensed  to  preach  by  the  Quarterly 
Conference  of  Sumter  Station  in  the  summer  of  1880. 

In  December,  1881,  Brother  Chandler  joined  the  South  Carolina 
Conference  at  Union,  S.  C,  and  has  served  as  follows :  Wedgefield 
Circuit,  1882-5;  ]\IcCormick  Circuit,  1886-8:  Waterloo  Circuit,  1889; 
Little  Pee  Dee  Circuit,  1890;  Conference  Colporteur,  1891  ;  Wedge- 
field  Circuit,  1892-5  (and  for  three  years  of  this  period  he  acted  as 
Conference  Colporteur)  ;  Cokesbury  Circuit,  1896-9;  Rowesville  Sta- 
tion, 1900-1901.  In  all  of  these  charges  the  Lord  has  graciouslv 
blessed  the  labors  of  our  good  brother.  On  the  Little  Pee  Dee  Cir- 
cuit he  had  great  revivals,  many  being  converted  and  added  to  the 
Church.  \\'hile  at  Cokesbury  he  did  much  toward  reviving  the  old 
Cokesbury  Conference  School. 

January  5,  1888,  Brother  Chandler  was  married  to  Miss  Julia  G. 
Zeigler,  daughter  of  Maj.  M.  G.  and  ]\Irs.  L.  A.  Zeigler.  The  mar- 
riage took  place  at  Abbeville,  S.  C,  Rev.  P.  B.  Jackson,  assisted  by 
Rev.  S.  J.  Bethea,  officiating.  Sister  Chandler  is  a  granddaughter 
of  the  late  Rev.  Samuel  Dunwoody,  who  was  for  many  years  a  prom- 
inent member  of  our  Conference. 

Brother  Chandler's  sermons  show  evidence  of  prayerful  prepara- 
tion and  are  delivered  in  a  plain,  straightforward  manner.  They 
are  of  the  kind  that  produce  a  lasting  impression.  Having  a  kind 
and  sympathetic  heart,  he  makes  a  helpful  pastor.  He  is  a  thorough 
and  systematic  worker. 


6— S. 


82 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


REV.  R.  A.  CHILD. 

The  Rev.  Rufus  Alexander  Child  is  one  of  the  ablest  members  of 
our  Conference.  He  is  a  fine  preacher — equal  to  the  demands  of  any 
place  or  any  hour.  He  is  friendly  and  companionable,  winning 
friends  rapidly  and  holding  them  steadfastly.     But,  excellent  as  are 


these  traits,  his  business  qualifications  are  such  that  he  would  be 
among  our  most  useful  members,  even  if  these  characteristics  had 
been  lacking.  He  has  sound  judgment,  accurate  knowledge  of  men, 
a  well  trained  mind  and  is  self -controlled  under  any  stress  of  excite- 
ment. So  that  in  the  Bishop's  cabinet,  on  important  committees  or 
on  the  Conference  floor  he  is  a  most  valuable  and  judicious  counsel- 
lor or  debater.  When  the  arena  is  changed  and  a  preacher's  highest 
work  of  leading  souls  to  Christ  is  before  him  these  same  things  give 
strength  to  influence  and  wisdom  to  guide  men  to  God. 

He  is  the  son  of  James  W.  and  Elizabeth  Child  and  he  was  born 
in  old  Cambridge  (now  in  Greenwood  County,  S.  C.)  May  12th, 
1850.  His  literary  education  began  at  the  Ninety-Six  High  School. 
Leaving  there,  he  attended  Richmond  College,  Virginia.  To  this 
day  he  is  a  constant  and  judicious  reader  and  student.  Studying 
law,  he  was  admitted  to  practice  and  in  1872  located  at  Pickens.  S. 
C.  Very  soon  his  ability  was  recognized  and  he  speedily  had  a  lucra- 
tive practice,  in  which  he  was  very  successful.  He  was  elected  a 
member  of  the  South  Carolina  House  of  Representatives  in  1878  and 


Twentieth  Cextlrv  Sketches.  83 

served  two  years,  makin^^  his  mark  in  that  body.  A  httle  before  this 
he  edited  the  Pickens  Sentinel  and  did  it  well. 

In  1883  he  was  soundly  converted  to  God  and  joined  the  Methodist 
Episcopal  Church,  South.  Almost  immediately  he  felt  called  to 
preach  and  was  at  once  licensed.  For  several  years  he  continuetl 
to  practice  his  profession  and  to  preach  in  the  local  ranks,  doing  botii 
with  etifect.  Finally,  the  Holy  Spirit  moved  him  to  give  himself 
wholly  to  the  work  of  the  ministry  and  he  determined  to  enter  the 
itmerancy.  Me  was  admitted  into  the  South  Carolina  Conference  in 
December,  1889.  His  appointments  have  been:  1890,  Rock  Hill; 
1891-93,  Clio;  1894,  Chester;  1895-98,  Darlington;  1899,  Green- 
wood; 1900,  Cokesbury  District.  In  every  one  of  these  charges  his 
ministry  was  fruitful. 

In  1899,  he  was  elected  a  member  of  the  Book  Committee  of  our 
Church,  and  already  has  demonstrated  his  value  in  that  imjKjrtant 
office. 

Mr.  Child  has  Ix-en  twice  married,  first  to  Miss  Essie  Holcombe, 
of  Pickens  County,  and  the  second  time  to  Miss  Maggie  A.  Roper, 
of  !\Iarlboro. 

These  are  but  meagre  outlines  of  a  man  whose  abilities  have  been 
placed  upon  God's  altar  once  and  forever.  Already  he  has  been  in- 
valuable. In  coming  years,  if  it  please  God,  we  may  expect  still 
more  of  this  consecrated  servant  of  the  Church  of  Christ. 


84 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


REV.  A.  M.  CHREITZBERG,  D.  D. 

Rev.  Abel  M.  Chreitzberg,  D.  D.,  was  born  in  Charleston,  S.  C, 
December  17,  1820,  of  parents  of  German  and  Irish  extraction.  He 
went  to  school  first  in  his  native  city,  then  at  Wilbraham,  Mass. 
(1833  and  1834).     In  1838  he  was  at  school  at  Cokesbury. 


In  1839  he  married  Miss  Anna  E.  Alanno,  of  Charleston.  Four 
children  were  the  fruit  of  this  union,  of  whom  only  one  survives, 
/  Rev.  Hilliard  F.  Chreitzberg,  D.  D.,  of  the  North  Carolina  Confer- 
ence. In  1873  he  married  a  second  time,  Miss  Hattie  E.  Kilgore, 
of  Newberry,  S.  C.  There  are  three  sons  and  two  daughters  by  this 
marriage.  Dr.  Chreitzberg  has  had  a  long  and  prosperous  career — 
"prosperous"  in  that  he  was  privileged  to  do  the  Lord's  work  so 
many  years  with  little  or  no  interruption  or  hindrance  from  sickness, 
or  bodily  disability.  His  educational  advantages  for  that  day  were 
above  the  average,  but  Brother  Chreitzberg  very  properly  did  not 
consider  his  education  completed  when  he  left  school.  He  has  a 
sprightly  mind  and  has  always  been  a  diligent  reader.  He  has  also 
written  a  good  deal — mostly  for  the  Church  press.  His  history  of 
the  South  Carolina  Conference  is  a  valuable  contribution  to  our 
Church  annals.  He  has  been  preaching  in  Central  Church,  Sulli- 
van's Island  for  eight  or  nine  years,  to  the  great  satisfaction  of  the 
summer  residents.  It  is  very  seldom  that  a  preacher  of  80  years  will 
instruct  and  interest  a  congregation  year  after  year  as  our  friend 


T\\  liXTiETH  Century  Sketches.  85 

every  Sunday  at  this  very  time.  Auj^ust,  1900.  ^^av  the  Lord  long 
spare  his  life. 

The  following- are  his  appointments:  1839,  Cokesbury  Circuit; 
1840,  Marion  Circuit;  1841.  ( )rangeburg  Circuit:  1842.  Cooper 
River  Circuit:  1843,  Beaufort  Mission:  1844.  Chesterfield  Circuit; 
1845-6,  Barnwell  Circuit:  1847-48,  Wilmington  Station:  1849-50, 
Georgetown  Station:  1851-52.  Black  Swamp  Circuit:  1853,  ^Valter- 
boro  Circuit;  1854.  Barnwell  Circuit:  1855.  Black  River  Mission; 
1856,  Anderson  Circuit;  1857.  Cokesbury  Circuit;  1858-61,  Marion 
District;  1862,  Bethel  Station;  1863,  St.  George's  Circuit;  1864,  Or- 
angeburg Circuit;  1865-67,  Orangeburg  District;  1868-71,  Charles- 
ton District:  1872.  Bethel  Station:  1873,  Darlington  Station;  1874- 
jy,  Sumter  District:  1878.  Newberry:  1879.  N\'ashington  Street,  Co- 
lumbia; 1880-3.  Columbia  District;  1884-5.  Batesburg  Circuit;  1886, 
St.  George's  Circuit:  1887,  St.  ^Matthews  Circuit;  1888-91,  Qiester 
District;  1892,  Cumberland,  Charleston.  In  December.  1892.  at  the 
Conference  in  Charleston,  Dr.  Chreitzsberg  asked  for  a  superannu- 
ated relation. 

Dr.  Chreitzberg  was  a  member  of  the  General  Conference  of  At- 
lanta in  1878  and  of  Richmond,  \'a.,  in  1886. 

The  long  and  faithful  ministry  of  our  good  brother  has  been  at- 
tended with  great  success.  No  man  amongf  us  is  held  in  higher  es- 
teem than  he.  He  has  been  highly  honored  by  the  Conference  by 
appointment  to  positions  of  trust  and  responsibility.  In  all  of  these 
he  has  ever  proven  worthy  of  the  confidence  and  esteem  reposed  in 
him.  Though  on  the  superannuate  list,  the  doctor  has  preached  with 
great  acceptabilit\'  whenever  an  opportunity  was  aflforded  ever  since 
his  superannuation.  It  is  wonderful  how  he  can  preach  even  at  this 
time  of  his  life.  His  mind  is  clear,  his  memory  excellent,  and  his 
reasoning  powers  seemingly  unimpaired.  Though  l)ent  in  form, 
when  he  enters  the  pulpit  the  old-time  fire  breaks  out  in  his  whole 
being,  he  straightens  himself  and  preaches  with  great  jiower. 

But  the  good  Doctor's  work  will  sonn  be  done  and  he  will  go  hence 
to  receive  a  glorious  reward.  ]\lay  a  double  i)ortion  of  his  zeal  and 
power  come  upon  the  rising  generation  of  Methodist  preachers. 


86 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


REV.  WM.  A.  CLARKE. 

Rev.  William  Austin  Clarke,  son  of  Henry  Clarke  and  Polly 
Clarke,  was  born  August  3,  1827. 

His  education  was  begun  in  the  home  and  continued  in  the  com- 
mon  schools  of  the  country  until  a  short  time  before  he  joined  the 


Conference.  His  special  preparation  for  the  ministry  was  made 
under  the  instruction  and  influence  of  the  late  Dr.  R.  L.  Abernethy, 
of  North  Carolina.  His  progress  under  this  noted  teacher  was  truly 
marvelous. 

Brother  Clarke  was  converted  and  joined  the  Church  early  in  the 
year  1846.  He  has  the  unique  distinction  of  having  been  made  class 
leader  before  he  was  received  into  the  Church,  truly  an  evidence  of 
confidence  in  his  ability  and  piety.  He  was  licensed  to  exhort  in 
1850,  being  licensed  to  preach  in  the  fall  of  the  same  year  and  recom- 
mended to  the  Annual  Conference  for  reception  on  trial.  He  was 
received  at  the  session  of  the  Conference  at  W'adesboro,  N.  C,  Jan- 
uary 5.  1 85 1,  and  has  attended  every  session  since,  being  present  on 
the  first  day  at  all  with  the  exception  of  about  three  sessions  when  he 
was  delayed. 

He  has  served  as  follows:  Savannah  River  Mission,  1851;  Pick- 
ens Circuit,  1852;  Dallas,  X.  C,  1853-4:  Catawba  Mission,  1855; 
Greenville  Circuit,  1856:  Pon  Pon  Mission,  1857:  Ashepoo  Mission, 
1858;  Cooper  River  Circuit,  1859;  Columbia  Circuit,  i860:  Lexing- 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches.  87 

ton,  1861  ;  Providence.  1 862-3 ;  Edg^efiekl,  1864;  Rutler,  1865-6;  Al- 
lendale, 1867-8;  St.  George's,  iSCuj-yi:  Abbeville  Circuit,  1872-5; 
Cokesbury,  1876;  Saluda,  1877-8:  Supernumerary.  1879-83.  In 
1884  he  was  superannuated.  In  May,  1884,  he  obtained  the  blessing 
of  entire  sanctification  and  was  divinely  healed.  Since  that  he  has 
served  as  follows:  Columl)ia  Circuit,  1885:  Colleton,  1886:  Tum- 
bling Shoals,  1887:  Xorth  Laurens,  1889;  Goshen  Hill,  1890-1  ;  su- 
perannuated relation  since. 

Brother  Clarke  has  been  twice  married.  On  December  13,  1853, 
he  was  married  to  Miss  Catherine  Elizabeth  Shuford.  ( )f  this  union 
ten  children  were  born.  The  first  four  died  in  infancy.  The  si.x 
living  are:  William  ]\louzon,  Hattie  Sanford  Smith,  Mary  Elizabeth 
\\'right,  Kate  Elmira  Pool,  John  Austin  and  James  Burns.  The 
wife  died  December  8,  1887.  His  second  marriage  was  to  Mrs. 
Janie  S.  Todd,  of  Laurens,  S.  C,  and  occurred  October  i,  iSS';. 
They  live  in  Laurens,  S.  C,  and  have  many  warm  friends. 

Tn  the  days  of  his  active  ministry  our  good  l)rothcr  was  a  success- 
ful worker.  He  was  a  zealous  pastor,  ever  looking  to  the  spiritual 
interests  of  the  people.  He  was  a  forceful  preacher,  e.xpressing  clear 
thoughts  in  clear  language. 


REV.  G.  FLOYD  CLARKSON. 

Rev.  Gerardus  Elo\-d  Clarkson  is  in  the  line  of  ministerial  and 
Methodist  succession.  He  is  the  son  of  Rev.  X.  B.  Clark.son.  for 
many  years  a  faithful  and  honored  member  of  the  South  Carolina 
Conference,  and  ]\lrs.  L.  \  .  Clarkson.  Coming  from  such  parent- 
age, he  could  hardly  be  anything  but  a  true  Metliodist  and  we  see 
how  he  could  easily  be  a  Methodist  preacher.  He  was  born  Sep- 
tember 6.  1868. 

Brother  Clarkson  has  had  excellent  educational  advantages. 
Having  had  access  to  the  school  located  in  the  various  communities 
where  his  father  had  served  as  pastor,  he  entered  WotYord  College 
and  graduated  therefrom  in  June,  1891.  Not  satisfied  with  this  ex- 
cellent ])reparation,  he  spent  one  year  at  X'anderbilt  L'niversity.  Bib- 
lical Department.  (This  was  after  he  had  served  a  while  in  the 
Conference.) 

He  was  converted  and  felt  the  divine  call  to  preach  in  1883.  In 
November,  1892,  he  was  admitted  on  trial  into  the  South  Carolina 
Conference,  with  E.  H.  Beckham.  J.  L.  Daniel.  K.  M.  DuB.ose,  Olin 
L.  DuRant.  Shala  W.  Henrv,  E.  Palmer  Hutson  (from  Presbyterian 
Church),  Preston  P..  Ingraham,  John  X.  Isom.  \\".  P..  Justus,  .-V.  S. 
Leslev,  W.  H.  Miller,  v'.  Kirk  Mru.re.  D.  Melvin  .McLeod,  R.  C.  Mc- 


88 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


Roy,  A.  R.  Phillips,  J.  J.  Stevenson,  R.  W.  Spigiier,  T.  J.  White, 
W.  B.  Wharton  and  W.  E.  Wiggins. 

His  charges  have  been  as  follows  :  Kelton  Circuit,  1893-5  ;  student 
at  Vanderbilt  University,  1895-6;  Hartsville  Circuit,  1897-8;  John- 
sonville  Circuit,  1899;  Seneca  and  Walhalla  Station,  1900-1901. 

On  November  19,  1896,  Brother  Clarkson  was  married  to  Miss 
Annie  E.  Kennedy,  the  accomplished  daughter  of  Capt.  and  Mrs. 
W.  H.  Kennedy,  of  Williamsburg  County.  To  them  two  children 
were  born,  both  dying  in  infancy.     Mrs.  Clarkson  died  Aug.  3,  1900. 

Brother  Clarkson  is  a  quiet,  thoughtful,  and  consecrated  young 
man,  leaving  the  impress  of  a  noble  Christian  character  upon  those 
he  comes  in  contact  with.  His  itinerant  career  is  full  of  hope.  May 
it  prove  fruitful  even  beyond  the  most  sanguine  expectations. 


REV.  N.  B.  CLARKSON. 

Rev.  Nathaniel  Bowen  Clarkson,  youngest  child  of  Dr.  W.  N.  and 
IMargaret  O.  Clarkson.  was  born  on  John's  Island.  S.  C,  September 
23.  1839.     He  was  dedicated  to  God  in  holy  baptism  by  Rev.  William 


Barnwell,  in  Charleston,  S.  C,  Geo.  B.  Reid  and  Mrs.  Lucy  Holmes 
standing  as  sponsors.     He  was  reared  in  the  Episcopal  Church  by 


TWKXTIETH   CeXTLRV   SKETCHES.  89 

a  consecrated  Christian  mother,  to  whom,  under  God,  he  owes  much 
of  the  success  that  has  attended  his  labors  through  Ufe. 

Brother  Clarkson  was  educated  at  various  common  schools  and 
academies  and  also  spent  a  while  at  Wofiford's  preparatory  school. 
Like  that  of  so  many  noble  and  worthy  young  men,  his  college  course 
was  interrupted. 

He  served  through  the  War  between  the  States,  for  the  most  of  the 
time  as  assistant  engineer  on  the  works  around  Charleston,  S.  C, 
and  with  Gen.  Jos.  E.  Johnston's  engineer  corps  in  Georgia.  In  all 
his  army  career  he  was  ever  faithful  in  the  discharge  of  the  duties 
of  his  position. 

On  December  31.  1862,  Brother  Clarkson  was  married  to  Miss 
Laura  A'.  Gordon,  of  Williamsburg  County,  S.  C.  To  them  were 
born  nine  children,  five  of  whom  are  now  living.  They  are :  Rev, 
G.  Flovd  Clarkson,  now  a  rising  young  preacher  in  the  South  Caro- 
lina Conference;  Mrs.  J.  Allen  Huggins,  of  Red  Springs,  N.  C. ; 
Thos.  B.  Clarkson,  of  Gafifney,  S.  C. ;  D.  Marion  Clarkson,  of  Red 
Springs.  X.  C,  and  Miss  Anna  R.  Clarkson,  now  a  student  in  the 
Columbia  Female  College,  Columbia,  S.  C. 

In  early  life  Brother  Clarkson  was  deeply  impressed  with  a  divine 
call  to  preach  the  Gospel,  but,  like  many  others,  sought  in  every  pos- 
sible way  to  escape.  He  was  converted  and  joined  the  Methodist 
Episcopal  Church.  South,  in  Sumter,  S.  C,  in  185 1.  under  the  preach- 
ing of  Rev.  Colin  Murchison.  At  this  time  the  call  to  preach  became 
more  deeply  impressed  upon  him.  He  strove  still  harder  to  escape, 
or  to  compromise,  but  God  still  led  him  on  through  all  the  conflicts 
till  he  vielded.  He  was  licensed  to  preach  at  the  First  Quarterly 
Conference  of  the  Gourdin's  Circuit,  for  1877,  held  at  Asbury 
Chapel,  March  I4tli.  Rev.  W.  C.  Power,  Presiding  Elder.  He  was 
emploved  as  a  supply  on  the  Gourdin's  and  Sampit  Circuit,  with 
Rev.  G.  W.  Gatlin  as  preacher  in  charge.  Brother  Clarkson  was  ad- 
mitted on  trial  into  the  South  Carolina  Conference  at  Marion,  S.  C, 
December.  1880.  with  William  M.  Harden,  and  John  W.  Neeley. 
He  Avas  ordained  Deacon  by  Bishop  A\'illiam  M.  Whiteman.  at 
Charleston,  S.  C.  January  4.  1881.  and  Elder  by  Bishop  Holland  X. 
McTveire.  at  Charleston.  December  21.  1884.  He  has  served  the 
following  charges:  Timmonsville  Circuit.  1881-3:  Johnsonville  Cir- 
cuit, 1884:  Lake  City  Circuit,  1885-7;  Pendleton  Circuit,  1888-9; 
Chester  Circuit.  1890-1  ;  Gaffney  Circuit.  1892-3;  Clinton  Circuit. 
1894-7;  Leesville  Circuit.  1898;  Oswego  Circuit.  1899;  Richburg 
Circuit,  1900-1901.     At  this  writing  he  is  serving  his  second  year 

here. 

Personallv.  Brother  Clarkson  is  a  man  of  very  fine  character.  His 
first  name  is  •'Xathaniel."  and  what  Christ  said  of  one  of  the  same 


90 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


name  may  be  said  of  our  good  brother — "An  Israelite  in  whom  is  no 
guile." 

Brother  Clarkson  is  an  excellent  and  active  preacher.  Up  to  this 
writing  he  has  preached  nearly  3,500  sermons.  He  is  a  good  pastor, 
kind  and  sympathetic. 


REV.  JESSE  A.  CLIFTON,  D.  D. 

The  subject  of  this  sketch,  the  Rev.  Jesse  Alexander  Clifton,  D. 
D.,  is  one  of  the  most  useful  as  well  as  one  of  the  most  popular  mem- 
bers of  the  South  Carolina  Conference.  He  is  the  son  of  Capt.  Jesse 
C.  Clifton  and  Mary  H.  Clifton,  and  was  born  September  26,  1845. 


After  the  usual  home  training  and  advantages  of  the  com- 
mon schools,  he  entered  the  Ebenezer  Classical  School,  where  he 
was  thoroughly  trained.  From  here  he  went  to  the  University  of 
Virginia,  where  he  received  the  instruction  in  the  higher  branches. 
Intending  to  enter  the  practice  of  law,  he  took  the  course  in  law  in 
the  University  of  Virginia.  "Man  proposes  but  God  disposes." 
The  brilliant  young  mind  that  had  been  thus  trained  and  developed 
was  to  be  turned    into    other    channels    of    usefulness    and  service. 

Young  Clifton  was  convicted  of  sin  under  the  preaching  of  the 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches.  91 


late  and  laiiKiited  Rev.  Jacob  L.  Shuford.  joiniiijj^  the  Church  at  El 
Bethel,  in  Chester  County,  S.  C,  in  1868.  His  conversion,  which 
was  in  Jul}'  of  that  year,  at  home,  in  his  room  alone  at  the  hour  of 
midnight,  was  a  most  powerful  manifestation  of  the  divine  presence. 
In  September  of  that  year  he  was  most  cmi)haticall\-  called  of  C,o<l 
to  preach  the  Gospel. 

In  December,  1869,  Brother  Clifton  was  received  on  trial  into  the 
Conference  at  the  session  held  at  Cheraw.  S.  C,  he  and  George  T. 
Harmon  forming  the  class  received.  His  appointments  have  been  as 
follows:  Colum!)ia  Circuit,  1870-2:  junior  preacher  on  Fairfield  Cir- 
cuit, with  Rev.  Jas.  T.  Kilgo  as  senior,  1873:  I>atesburg  Circuit, 
1874-6:  Saluda  Circuit,  1877-8;  Graham  Circuit,  1879-80:  St.  Mat- 
thews" Circuit,  1881-2:  Spring  Street,  Charleston,  1883:  Xewbcrry 
Station.  1884-5:  Central  Churclj,  Spartanburg,  1886-9:  Buncombe 
Street.  Greenville,  1890-1  ;  .Bethel,  Charleston,  1892-5:  .\bbeville 
Station,  1896-7:  Sumter  Station,  1898-1901. 

Doctor  Clifton  was  married  Xoveml)er  24,  1868.  to  Miss  Mary  E. 
Hicklin,  daughter  of  Dr.  W.  J.  Hicklin,  of  Chester  County,  S.  C, 
Rev.  Jacob  L.  Shuford  performing  the  ceremony.  This  good  woman 
has  stood  bravely  by  him  and  greatly  aided  him  in  all  the  struggles 
of  an  itinerant  life.  The  following  are  their  children  :  Dr.  Jesse  A., 
Jr.,  ]\Irs.  :\Iary  C.  Kelly,  wife  of  Rev.  William  .\iken  Kelly,  of  the 
South  Carolina  Conference:  James  S.,  John  Hicklin,  Josephine  and 
Kate  Mayer. 

These  facts  form  the  bare  outline  of  the  visible  life  of  this  true  and 
loval  servant  of  Christ  and  humanity. 

Xo  man  in  the  South  Carolina  Conference  has  more  warm  tricnds 
than  "Jess  Clifton."  Big-hearted  Irishman  that  he  is.  with  a  great 
soul  throbbing  in  deepest  sympathy  with  poor  struggling  humanity, 
he  naturally  makes  friends  wherever  he  goes.  He  is  a  man.  phys- 
ically, mentally  and  spiritually  and  all  these  powers  are  on  God's 
altar  for  divine  glory  and  human  good. 

As  a  preacher  he  has  unusual  powers.  With  a  tine  i)hysi(|ue.  an 
intelligent  face,  and  rare  oratorical  powers,  he  is  naturally  an  at- 
tractive speaker. 

As  a  lecturer,  Doctor  Clifton  is  popular  and  often  in  demand.  His 
helpful  thoughts,  clothed  as  they  are  in  a  garment  of  sparkling  wit 
and  humor,  render  him  an  entertaining  platform  si)eaker. 

Doctor  Clifton's  popularity  in  the  Conference  is  manifested  in  the 
positions  of  trust  and  honor  in  which  his  brethren  have  ])laced  him. 
He  represented  the  Conference,  as  a  delegate,  in  the  General  Con- 
ference held  in  [Memphis.  Tenn..  in  1894.  and  also  in  the  one  held  in 
Baltimore.  Md..  in   1898. 


92 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


REV.  THOS.  J.  CLYDE. 

The  Rev.  Thomas  Jefferson  Clyde  is  one  of  the  best  loved 
preachers  in  the  South  Carolina  Conference.  This  is  not  because 
of  anv  efforts  to  please,  or  make  himself  popular,  but  because  he 
has  a  large  heart,  "a  genius  for  loving  men,"  and  the  loyal  tribute 


of  his  brotherly  spirit  awakes  like  return.  Old  and  young  trust 
and  love  him.  and  feel  at  perfect  ease  in  his  presence.  Jew  and 
Gentile,  saint  and  sinner  feel  kindly  toward  this  noble  man  of  God. 

He  is  the  son  of  the  late  Mr.  Thomas  M.  Clyde,  formerly  of  the 
city  of  Philadelphia,  more  recently  of  Pickens  County,  S.  C,  and 
was  born  in  Charleston.  S.  C,  in  1836.  His  education  was  begun  in 
the  latter  city  and  continued  in  the  classical  and  high  school  in  An- 
derson County,  taught  by  that  distinguished  educator,  Rev.  Dr.  Jas. 
Kennedy,  and  continued  by  thoughtful  reading. 

His  conversion  in  early  manhood  was  clear  and  satisfying,  and  he 
praised  with  happy  heart  the  Savior  of  his  soul.  Called  to  preach, 
he  obeyed  the  will  Divine,  was  licensed  and  entered  the  South 
Carolina  Conference  in  November.  1859.  Since  that  day  he  has 
gone,  at  the  voice  of  the  Church,  wheresoever  sent,  and  everywhere 
has  had  success.  Some  of  his  first  appointments  were  what  are 
called  weak,  but  he  never  doubted ;  and  in  some  of  them  he  had  the 
greatest  success — the  meanwhile  lieing  cared  for  beyond  the  expec- 
tation of  anvone. 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches.  93 


He  has  served  the  following-  charges,  in  the  order  mentioned : 
Conwayboro  Circuit,  Gowansville  Circuit,  Xewberry  Station, 
Pickensville  Circuit.  W'adesboro  Station,  Camden  Station.  Colleton 
Circuit,  Black  Swamj)  Circuit,  P.ranchville  Circuit.  Goshen  Hill  Cir- 
cuit, Lower  St.  Matthews  Circuit,  Lexington  Circuit.  Lewiedale  Cir- 
cuit, East  Chester  Circuit,  ]\Iullins  Circuit.  Bennettsville  Circuit, 
Orangeburg  District,  Marion  District,  Greenville  District,  Sumter 
District. 

In  1866  he  married  Miss  ^Mary  F.  ]\Iassebeau,  of  Camden,  S.  C, 
who  has  been  ever  since  the  joy  of  his  home  and  the  helper  of  his 
labors.  Many  a  young  preacher  has  had  ahimdant  reason  to  cherish 
grateful  recollection  of  this  saintly  woman,  lirother  Clyde  is  every 
inch  a  man.  He  does  his  own  thinking  and  follows  his  own  con- 
victions. He  fears  nothing  but  God,  and  hates  nothing  but  sin — 
especially  the  sin  of  sham.  He  is  friendly  and  loving.  A  quiet 
humor  brightens  his  conversation,  which  is  always  interesting.  Xo 
one  feels  more  sympathy  or  is  more  read>-  to  help  men  b\'  word  or 
deed.  He  is  a  deeply  pious  Christian.  Ik-  "enjoys  religion"  and 
exemplifies  it  so  beautifully  that  it  attracts  any  in  contact  with  him. 
He  is  a  preacher  of  strength — sometimes  of  great  power.  He  be- 
lieves God  and  the  Word  implicitly,  and  his  carefully  prepared  ser- 
mons are  not  only  admired,  but  reach  the  hearts  of  hearers.  As  a 
pastor,  he  is  tender  and  attentive — not  sparing  himself.  He  is  an 
admirable  officer.  Possibly  the  best  service  of  his  life  has  been  ren- 
dered as  Presiding  Elder.  There  he  labors  as  a  father  among  his 
sons,  as  a  brother  among  brethren.  Rich  and  poor  have  his  love  and 
his  care.  To  him  their  condition  is  nothing — their  need  and  his 
chance  to  supply  them  is  all.     Would  that  all  were  such  men  as  he. 


94 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


REV.  J.  R.  COPELAND. 

The  subject  of  this  sketch,  Rev.  J.  R.  Copeland,  is  a  North  Caro- 
linian by  birth,  but  a  South  Carohnian  by  adoption  and  choice.  He 
is  the  son  of  Mr.  John  A.  Copeland  and  i^lrs.  Tirzah  Copeland.  His 
father  was  from  Ohio  and  his  mother  a  native  South  Carolinian. 
He  was  born  in  Cleveland  County,  N.  C,  June  6,  1859. 


Brother  Copeland's  early  educational  advantages  were  somewhat 
limited.  He  was  educated  in  the  comnK)n  schools  and  by  hard  study 
at  home.  i\fter  many  a  hard  day's  work,  he  burned  the  midnight  oil 
studying  his  books.  He  came  to  South  Carolina  in  1875,  locating  at 
Chester.  When  he  realized  the  divine  call  to  preach,  he  studied  with 
that  in  view.  The  year  before  he  joined  the  Conference  was  spent 
in  the  High  School  at  Ebenezer,  near  Rock  Hill,  S.  C.  Rev.  J.  H. 
Willson  being  the  principal.  Here  he  received  much  help  in  pur- 
suing his  studies. 

During  the  session  of  the  Conference  held  in  Camden,  November, 
1889,  Brother  Copeland  was  received  on  trial,  [.  S.  Abercrombie,  A. 
H.  Best.  R.  A.  Child,  G.  W.  Davis,  W.  H.  Hodges,  M.  B.  Kelly, 
John  Manning,  J.  M.  Rogers,  J.  W.  Shell,  W.  S.  Stokes,  A.  B.  Wat- 
son and  J.  A.  White  joining  at  the  same  time.  The  year  before  join- 
ing, he  served  as  a  supply  on  the  Lancaster  Circuit.  Since  joining 
he  has  served  as  follows:  Jefferson  Circuit,  1890-1  ;  Cartersville  Cir- 
cuit,  1892-3;  Loris  Circuit,   1894-6;  Britton's  Neck  Circuit,   1897; 


Twentieth  Cextlrv  Sketches. 


95 


Foreston  Circuit.  i8(;S;  Wedgefield  Circuit.  1899:  Bethany  Circuit, 
1900-1901.  The  Lord  has  l)lessed  the  lal)ors  of  his  consecrated  ser- 
vant in  these  fields.  Brother  Copeland  is  a  zealous  pastor  and  an 
earnest  preacher,  never  hetter  satisfied  than  when  he  is  leadin^r  souls 
to  Christ. 

On  September  4.  1879.  ^^^  married  Miss  Mary  E.  Lee,  daug-hter  of 
Mr.  Jeremiah  Lee,  and  a  cousin  of  the  late  Rev.  A.  15.  Lee  of  our 
Conference.  Our  friend  and  his  wife  have  lost  quite  a  number  of 
precious  children,  who,  however,  "are  not  lost  Init  gone  before." 
They  have  three  living- — Minnie,  Estelle  and  Maud. 

In  the  midst  of  sore  trials,  our  brother  has  patiently  toiled  on, 
awaiting  a  brighter  (la\'  and  looking  to  the  recompense  of  the  just. 


REV.  J.  C.  COUNTS. 

There  is  not  in  our  Conference  a  braver  or  truer  Soldier  of  the 
Cross  than  the  Rev.  Jephtha  C.  Cotmts.  He  is  not  only  a  Saul 
among  his  brethren  in  bodily  altitude,  but  he  stands  among  the  tallest 
in    modest    courage    and    devoted    loyalty.     Xothing   he    cares    for 


danger,  hardship  or  toil  when  duty  calls.  Xothing  he  seeks  but  a 
place  to  serve  God  and  man — and  the  Church  he  loves  so  well.  He 
is  the  manner  of  man  a  commander  would  choose  for  a  charge  like 


96  Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 

Pickett's  at  Gettysburg,  or  like  the  gallop  of  "the  six  hundred"  at 
Balaklava. 

He  is  the  son  of  Peter  W.  and  Martha  Counts,  who  were  long 
members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  South.  He  was  born 
in  Newberry  County,  S.  C,  three  miles  south  of  Prosperity,  January 
12,  1849.  Reared  in  a  home  of  piety,  he  joined  the  Church  in  1856 — 
at  the  tender  age  of  seven.  Let  those  who  doubt  the  wisdom  of 
leadinsf  little  children  to  the  Church  consider  this  fact.  He  attended 
the  home  schools,  but,  the  war  soon  coming,  even  these  opportunities 
were  not  as  usual ;  and  then  in  January,  1864,  he  went  to  Virginia 
and  joined  the  13th  Regiment  of  South  Carolina  Confederate  sol- 
diers. The  boy  stood  in  a  man's  place  and  did  a  man's  deeds  as 
bravelv  as  any  of  his  comrades — and  the  valor  of  the  Confederate 
soldier  is  known  to  the  world.  On  April  9,  1865,  when  Lee  sur- 
rendered, the  young  soldier  laid  down  his  arms.  Returning  to  his 
native  county,  he  there  met  peaceful  duties  as  cheerfully  and  faith- 
fully as  those  experienced  in  war.  In  1866  he  was  soundly  con- 
verted. At  once  work  was  asked  of  him.  He  was  made  steward 
and  Sunday  school  superintendent.  Here  also  he  was  faithful. 
God  called  him  to  preach,  and  he  was  licensed  in  1872.  In  1872  and 
1874  he  supplied  the  place  of  junior  preacher  on  Newberry  Circuit — 
his  home  field.  In  December,  1874,  he  was  admitted  on  trial  into 
the  South  Carolina  Conference. 

In  all  his  charges  he  has  labored  earnestly  and  successfully.  The 
charges  paid  but  small  salaries,  but  never  for  a  moment  did  this  self- 
denying  minister  of  Christ  complain.  The  same  dauntless  courage 
shown  by  the  Confederate  soldier  was  exhibited  by  the  soldier  of 
the  Lord  Jesus. 

Brother  Counts  is  an  earnest  preacher,  who  prepares  his  messages 
in  the  fear  of  God,  and  delivers  them  with  implicit  faith  in  the  power 
of  Divine  truth.  His  pastoral  work  is  conscientiously  done.  He 
tries  to  do  all  the  work  of  a  Methodist  itinerant  preacher,  and  to 
live  the  life  of  a  holy  man  of  God — and  he  succeeds. 

Brother  Counts  has  been  twice  married.  On  February  i,  1872, 
he  married  Miss  Carrie  Oxner,  of  Newberry  County,  who  died  June 
22,  1888,  leaving  three  daughters^Sallie,  Mamie  and  Hattie.  On 
October  19,  1892,  he  married  Miss  Sunie  Waters,  of  Spartanburg 
County.  Of  this  union  two  children  have  been  born — Nivia  and 
Carrie. 


TwEXTIliTJl    CliXTL-RV   SKETCHES. 


97 


REV.  J.  D.  CROUT.  A.  M. 

Rev.  John  David  Crout,  born  October  20th.  1864.  near  Lewiedale, 
Lexington  County,  S.  C.  is  tlic  youngest  child  and  only  son  of 
Wesley  and  Mary  Crout.  He  received  his  early  education  in  the 
priniar}-   schools   of   Lexington   County,   and   later    was   taught   by 


Prof.  W.  E.  Black  and  the  Rev.  J.  E.  Watson.  He  remained  under 
the  tutorshij)  of  the  latter  for  two  years,  tluring  which  time  he  was 
prepared  for  entering  the  Sophomore  class  at  W'offord  College, 
which  he  did  in  the  fall  of  1888.  He  remained  at  college  until  his 
graduation  in  June,  1891.  He  had  taught  several  public  schools 
during  his  early  school  days,  but  after  leaving  college  he  accepted 
the  principalship  of  the  Hebron  High  School,  in  Marlboro  County, 
where  he  remained  at  work  until  he  joined  the  South  Carolina  Con- 
ference, which  convened  at  Darlington  in  December.  1891.  While 
engaged  in  this  school,  and  during  his  first  year  in  the  ministry,  he 
pursued  a  post-graduate  course  at  Wofford  College,  anil  received 
the  degree  of  A.  M.  from  that  institution  in  June,  1892. 

He  joined  the  Church  at  eleven  years  of  age,  and  was  converted 
at  the  age  of  twelve.  At  fourteen  he  felt  a  definite  call  to  the  min- 
istry, which  was  followed  by  eight  years  of  conflict  and  struggle 
over  his  convictions.  However,  these  years  were  employed,  more  or 
less,  in  active  Christian  work,  and,  on  the  second  Sunday  in  Novem- 
ber,  1887,  after  listening  to  a  very  pointed  sermon  by  his  pastor, 

7-S. 


98  T\\ENTiETH  Century  Sketches. 

the  Rev.  C.  W.  Creighton,  from  Acts  19:15.  he  made  a  final  decision 
as  to  his  Hfe-work.  He  at  once  entered  school  under  the  Rev.  J.  E. 
Watson,  at  Brunson,  S.  C,  as  a  preparation  for  college.  He  received 
his  license  to  preach  on  Good  Friday,  March  30,  1888,  in  Ebenezer 
Church,  now  on  Port  Royal  Circuit.  His  first  sermon  was  preached 
a  few  weeks  later  at  Brunson,  from  Romans  i  :i6. 

His  first  charge  was  Anderson  Circuit,  which  he  served  in  1892. 
At  the  close  of  this  year  he  was  ordained  Deacon  by  Bishop  Hen- 
drix,  at  Charleston,  Nov.  27th.  The  two  following  years  he  served 
Lowndesville  Station;  and  in  1895  he  served  Newberry  Circuit. 
This  year  closed  his  first  quadrennium  of  itinerant  life,  and  he  was 
ordained  Elder  by  Bishop  Galloway,  at  Rock  Hill,  Dec.  8th.  The 
next  two  years  he  served  Gaffney  Station,  and  from  there  was 
sent  to  his  present  charge  at  Winnsboro.  which  he  has  served  for 
three  years. 

He  was  married  Nov.  30th,  1893,  to  Miss  Rosalie  Hodges,  of  An- 
derson County,  S.  C,  daughter  of  the  late  Rev.  W.  A.  and  Mrs.  E. 
C.  Hodges.     Turpin  Lynelle.  a  bright  little  girl,  is  their  only  child. 

These  are  the  initiatory  facts  of  a  ministry  freighted  with  great 
possibilities.  Our  young  friend  has  every  promise  of  a  most  useful 
and  acceptable  ministry.  He  is  an  excellent  preacher,  and  diligently 
looks  after  the  various  interests  committed  to  his  care. 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


99 


REV.  RICHARD  ROBERT  DAGNALL. 

Richard  Robert  Dai^nall,  son  of  Elhcrt  H.  and  Martha  A.  Dagnall 
(nee  Brown),  was  born  in  Augusta,  Ga.,  March  17,  1838.  His 
maternal  grandfather.  Rev.  R.  Brown,  of  Augusta.  Ga.,  was  a  local 
preacher.     The    father   of   the   subject   of  this   sketch,    Mr.    E.    H. 


Dagnall.  still  lives,  at  this  writing,  at  the  advanced  age  of  88  years. 
The  mother,  who  was  a  noble  Christian  woman,  a  great  Bible  reader, 
and  a  woman  well  informed  on  religious  subjects,  died  at  Kingston, 
Ga.,  July  9,  1882. 

No  boy  ever  had  a  harder  struggle  to  obtain  an  education  than 
young  Dagnall.  but  by  perseverance  and  toil  he  overcame  the  diffi- 
culties. After  attending  school  in  Augusta.  Ga..  and  in  Alexander, 
Ga.,  he  entered  the  Cokesbury  Conference  School,  where  he  success- 
fully studied  for  about  three  years.  Like  other  heroic  boys,  he 
would  work  awhile  to  earn  some  money,  then  go  to  school  till  it 
was  exhausted. 

He  was  spiritually  awakened  under  the  preaching  of  Dr.  J.  O.  A. 
Clark,  and  joined  the  Church  under  the  ministry  of  Rev.  John  W. 
Yarborough,  both  of  the  Georgia  Conference,  being  converted  at 
Alexander,  Burke  County.  As  soon  as  he  was  converted,  Mr.  Dag- 
nall felt  called  to  preach.  He  was  licensed  to  preach,  in  1857,  bv  the 
Quarterly  Conference  of  St.  James  Church.  Charleston,  Rev.  H.  A. 
C.  Walker,  Presiding  Elder.     In  November,  1857,  he  was  admitted 


loo  Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 

on  trial  into  the   South  CaroHna  Conference,  and  was  sent,   with 
Rev.  J.  D.  W.  Crook  as  senior,  to  the  Savannah  River  Mission.     At 
the  close  of  that  year,  the  Conference  met  in  Charleston.     Brother 
Dagnall  asked  to  be  discontinued  that  he  might  pursue  his  studies 
at  school.     This  was  granted,  but  while  endeavoring  to  make  ar- 
rangements he  was  persuaded  by  a  Georgia  Presiding  Elder  to  serve 
a  charge  for  that  year — 1859.     At  its  close,  he  returned  to  Cokes- 
bury  School,  where  he  remained  through  1861.     He  taught  school 
during  1862,  and  in  December  of  that  year  was  re-admitted  into  the 
South  Carolina  Conference,  with  Revs.  J.  C.  Hartsell,  R.  C.  Oliver 
and  Samuel  A.  Weber,  since  which  time  he  has  served  as  follows 
Fairfield  Circuit,  1863;  Columbus  Circuit,  1864;  Sandy  River  Mis 
sion,    1865;    Happy   Home   Circuit,    1866;   Laurens   Circuit,    1867 
Seneca  and  Tugalo  Circuit,   1868;  Columbia  Circuit,   1869;  North 
Charlotte  Circuit,  1870;  Barnwell  Circuit,  1871-2;  Abbeville  Circuit 
1873-4;   Greenville   Circuit,    1875-6;   Goshen   Hill   Circuit,    1877-8 
Limestone   Circuit,    1879;   Pacolet   Circuit,    1880;   Orange    Circuit 
1881-2;   Berkeley  Circuit,    1883;   Reidville   Circuit,    1884;   Kinards 
Circuit,   1885;  Cokesbury  Circuit,  1886-7;  Waterloo  Circuit,   1888 
Donalds  Circuit,  1889;  Butler  Circuit,  1890-1  ;  Hickory  Grove  Cir- 
cuit,   1892;   Chesterfield   Circuit,   1893-4;   Hartsville  Circuit,    1895 
Claussen  Circuit,  1896-7;  Westminster  Circuit,  1898-9;  Pickens  Cir- 
cuit, 1900. 

On  November  20,  1867,  Brother  Dagnall  was  married  to  Miss 
Mary  E.  Hellams,  of  Laurens  County,  S.  C,  Rev.  A.  N.  Wells  per- 
forming the  ceremony.  Of  this  marriage  four  children  were  born — 
Robert  Elbert,  William  Alexander,  Atticus  Haygood  and  Mary. 
Two  of  the  boys — William  A.  and  Atticus  H. — graduated  at  Wofiford 
College.  The  eldest — Robert  E. — was  educated  at  Cokesbury.  The 
daughter  is  now  at  Williamston  Female  College. 

Brother  Dagnall  is  finishing  a  long  ministry  with  great  honor  and 
acceptability.  His  style  of  preaching,  in  his  own  individual  manner, 
is  striking  and  taking.  He  has  an  element  of  humor  which  often 
manifests  itself.  His  humorous  speeches,  delivered  at  the  close  of 
his  reports  at  the  Annual  Conference,  are  a  great  feature.  When 
the  Bishop  calls  the  name  of  R.  R.  Dagnall  the  whole  Conference 
becomes  intensely  interested,  and  awaits  with  great  anxiety  the 
speech  which  they  know  will  follow. 

Brother  Dagnall  loves  the  brethren,  and  watches  with  great  solici- 
tude the  work  of  his  fellow-laborers.  He  has  many  strong  friends 
who  sincerely  reciprocate  his  kindly  feelings  and  wish  for  him  many 
vears  vet  in  which  to  labor  for  the  Master. 


Twentieth  Cextury  Sketches.  ioi 

REV.  J.  L.  DANIEL. 

Rev.  Joseph  Luther  Daniel,  son  of  Mr.  James  W.  and  Mrs.  EHza 
Daniel,  and  brother  of  Rev.  J.  Walter  Daniel,  D.  D.,  and  Rev.  W.  W. 
Daniel,  D.  D.,  was  born  August  i6,  1868. 

Brother  Daniel  has  had  the  very  best  educational  advantages. 
His  preparatory  training  was  received  in  the  High  Schools  of 
Seneca,  under  such  teachers  as  L.  T.  H.  Daniel,  C.  W.  Moore,  N.  W. 
McAuley,  D.  C.  Lake,  J.  B.  Watkins,  John  O.  Hicks,  and  Dr.  F.  P. 
Nullally.  He  entered  the  Sub-Collegiate  Department  of  Wofford 
College  in  January,  1889.  At  the  next  session  he  entered  the  college 
proper,  and  graduated  in  June,  1891.  Our  young  friend  made  quite 
an  enviable  record  at  college.  He  made  distinction  in  every  study 
in  every  department  every  year  he  was  there.  He  was  the  only 
member  of  his  class  that  made  such  a  record. 

Brother  Daniel  was  converted  at  Seneca,  S.  C,  in  August,  1886, 
during  a  meeting  conducted  by  Rev.  J.  W.  Wolling  and  Rev.  H.  G. 
Scuddy.  At  that  time  he  was  reading  medicine  under  Drs.  J.  B. 
Brown  and  Thomas  L.  Lewis,  and  was  about  ready  to  attend  his  first 
course  of  lectures ;  but  the  Divine  call  to  preach  coming  to  him  at 
this  time  was  so  clear  and  strong  that  he  had  to  abandon  the  idea 
of  practicing  medicine.  He  strove  to  compromise  the  matter  by 
working  in  Sunday  schools  and  prayer  meetings,  but  there  was  no 
peace  until  he  unconditionally  surrendered  and  accepted  the  work 
divinely  allotted  him. 

He  was  received  on  trial  into  the  Conference  at  the  session  held  in 
the  City  of  Charleston,  November,  1892,  E.  H.  Beckham,  G.  F. 
Clarkson,  R.  M.  DuBose,  Olin  L.  DuRant,  Shala  W.  Henry,  E.  P. 
Hutson,  P.  B.  Ingraham,  J.  N.  Isom,  W.  B.  Justus,  A.  S.  Leslev,  W. 
H.  Miller,  E.  K.  Moore,  D.  M.  McLeod,'  R.  C.  McRov,  A.  R. 
Phillips,  J.  J.  Stevenson,  R.  W.  Spigner,  T.  J.  White,  W.  B. 
Wharton  and  W^  E.  Wiggins  joining  at  the  same  session.  He  has 
since  served  as  follows:  Bucksville  Circuit,  1893  ;  Centenary  Circuit, 
1894-5;  Seneca  and  Walhalla,  1896-9;  Cokesbury  Circuit,  1900; 
Lowndesville  Station,  1901.  Pie  has  been  popular  in  every  charge, 
but  in  none  more  so  than  at  Seneca,  his  old  home,  where  he  spent 
four  pleasant  and  profitable  years.  So  popular  was  he  there  that 
the  unanimous  verdict  was  that  they  would  like  to  have  him  for  an- 
other four  years.  He  is  not  only  a  good  pastor,  but  is  a  strong  and 
earnest  preacher.     He  always  carries  good  reports  to  Conference. 

On  December  24.  189 1,  Brother  Daniel  was  married  to  Miss  Lula 
Smith,  daughter  of  Dr.  J.  R.  and  ]\Irs.  Mary  C.  Smith,  of  ]Mt. 
Gallagher,  Laurens  County,  S.  C.  Of  this  union  two  children  have 
been  born — Joseph  McTyeire,  born  December  4,  1896;  and  Marion 
Kathleen,  born  September  15.  1899. 


102  Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 

REV.  W.  W.  DANIEL,  D.  D. 

Rev.  William  Wellington  Daniel,  D.  D.,  son  of  Air.  James  W. 
Daniel  and  Airs.  Eliza  Anderson  Daniel,  was  born  about  forty  years 
ago,  in  Laurens  County,  S.  C.  In  early  childhood  he  had  access  to 
good  country  schools,  after  which  he  entered  Preparatory  Depart- 
ment of  Newberry  College,  then  located  at  Walhalla,  S.  C,  where  he 
remained  until  he  completed  the  Sophomore  class.  He  then  took 
the  Junior  class  in  Adger  College.  In  1878  he  joined  his  old  class 
in  Newberry  College  and  graduated  with  distinction  in  June,  1879. 
After  his  graduation  he  taught  school  as  follows :  thirteen  months 
near  Hodges,  S.  C. ;  ten  months  at  Dacusville,  S.  C,  and  twenty 
months  at  Spring  Hill,  S.  C.  In  1882,  his  alma  mater  conferred 
on  him  the  degree  of  A.  M.,  and  in  1899  the  same  institution  be- 
stowed upon  him  the  honorary  degree  of  Doctor  Divinitatis. 

For  many  years  Brother  Daniel  had  felt  divinely  called  to  preach 
the  Gospel.  In  1883,  while  he  was  in  charge  of  a  flourishing  school 
at  Spring  Hill,  and  was  giving  great  satisfaction  to  the  patrons,  the 
fact  became  plain  to  him  that  he  could  no  longer  resist  the  impression 
without  doing  violence  to  conscience. 

On  June  9,  1883,  he  was  examined  by  Rev.  A.  AI.  Chreitzberg, 
D.  D.,  at  Shady  Grove  Church,  Lexington  Fork  Circuit,  and  was 
licensed  to  preach.  At  the  session  of  the  Conference  held  in  Sumter, 
S.  C,  in  December,  1883,  Brother  Daniel,  with  James  E.  Grier,  B.  AI. 
Grier,  S.  J.  Bethea,  D.  P.  Boyd,  G.  P.  Watson  and  G.  R.  Whitaker, 
was  admitted  on  trial,  since  which  time  he  has  served  as  follows : 
West  Anderson  Circuit,  1884;  Fort  Alill  Circuit,  1885;  Yorkville 
Station,  1886-9;  Chester  Station,  1890;  Newberry  Station,  1891-3; 
Florence  Station,  1894;  Washington  Street  Station,  Columbia, 
1895-8;  St.  John's  Station,  Anderson,  1899.  At  the  session  of  the 
Conference  held  in  Orangeburg  in  December,  1899,  Doctor  Daniel 
was  elected  President  of  the  Columbia  Female  College  to  succeed 
Rev.  Jno.  A.  Rice,  D.  D.,  who  had  resigned.  Doctor  Rice's  resig- 
nation was  to  take  effect  in  June,  1900,  so  Doctor  Daniel  was  ap- 
pointed agent  of  the  college,  in  which  capacit}'  he  served  until  June, 
when  he  assumed  control  of  the  institution. 

In  all  these  fields  of  labor  Doctor  Daniel's  labors  have  been 
crowned  with  success.  At  Fort  Alill  he  built  a  new  parsonage.  The 
beautiful  Church  at  Yorkville  was  built  during  his  pastorate  there. 
Doubtless  his  most  effective  work  has  been  done  for  the  Columbia 
Female  College.  As  a  result  of  his  faithful  canvass  the  college  was 
full  to  overflowing  at  its  opening  last  September.  He  has  not  only 
succeeded  in  getting  the  young  ladies  there,  but  by  his  genial  spirit 
and  Christly  deportment  he  has  won  his  way  to  their  esteem  and 
confidence.     He  is  very  popular  with  the  student  body. 


Twentieth  Cextl'ry  Sketches.  103 

Doctor  Daniel  is  a  thoughtful  and  thought-provoking  preacher. 
His  sermons  are  thoroughly  prepared  and  elocjuently  delivered.  His 
pastoral  labors  are  such  that  access  to  the  hearts  of  the  parishioners 
is  an  easy  matter.     Above  all.  he  is  a  genial  Christian  gentleman. 

On  August  29,  1883,  Doctor  Daniel  was  married  to  Miss  Alice 
Rowena  Aull.  (laughter  of  Jacob  L.  Aull  and  Julia  Haiti wanger 
Aull.  She  graduated  from  the  Columbia  Female  College  in  June, 
1882.  Thoy  have  four  children — Herman  Aull,  Willie,  Walter 
Wright  and  Julia. 


REV.  D.  D.  DANTZLER. 

The  subject  of  this  sk-etch.  Rev.  Daniel  D.  Dantzler,  worthily 
occupies  a  place  on  the  "Honor  Roll"  of  the  South  Carolina  Confer- 
ence. He  came  of  excellent  stock,  being  the  son  of  Mr.  Daniel 
Dantzler  and  ]\lrs.  Mary  Dantzler.     He  was  born  February  3,  1842. 

His  early  educational  advantages  were  good,  but  the  Civil  \\  ar 
broke  into  his  intellectual  training,  and  he  was  deprived  of  a  col- 
legiate education.  But  being  a  close  student  of  books  and  men,  he 
largely  made  up  for  the  failure  to  obtain  a  college  training. 

He  was  licensed  to  preach  August,  1871.  In  December  of  that 
year  he  joined  the  South  Carolina  Conference,  J.  K.  McCain,  Dove 
Tiller,  and  J.  B.  Wilson  joining  at  the  same  time.  Since  joining  the 
Conference  he  has  served  as  follows :  Junior  preacher  on  Cokesbury 
Circuit,  1872;  junior  preacher  on  Newberry  Circuit.  1873;  York- 
ville  Station,  1874;  Orangeburg  Circuit.  1875-7:  Spring  Hill  Cir- 
suit.  1878;  Darlington  Circuit,  1879-81:  Camden  Station,  1882: 
Chester  Circuit,  1883:  Johnston  Circuit.  1884-6:  Little  Rock  Circuit. 
1887;  Clio  Circuit.  1888:  Providence  Circuit  (his  old  home). 
1889-92;  Prosperity  Circuit,  1893:  Upper  St.  Matthews  Circuit, 
1894-7;  Batesburg  Circuit,  1898:  superannuate,  1899-1901. 

When  our  good  brother  joined  tlie  Conference  he  put  all  his 
powers  at  the  disposal  of  God  and  the  Church.  With  heart  and 
life  consecrated,  he  went  into  the  work  determined  to  do  his  utmost 
for  the  glory  of  God  and  the  good  of  men.  The  Lord  abundantly 
blessed  the  labors  of  his  devoted  and  trusting  servant.  He  ever  tried 
to  keep  in  view  the  fact  that  the  one  work  of  a  preacher  of  the 
Gospel  is  to  lead  souls  to  Christ,  and  in  this  glorious  work  he  has 
been  successful.  Many  who  were  led  to  Christ  by  him  have  pre- 
ceded him  to  the  better  land,  and  await  his  arrival.  Many  more  are 
on  the  way. 

\\'hile  in  the  active  ministry  he  was  one  of  our  most  useful  men. 
He  was  a  vigilant  jiastur  and  systematic  worker.  His  sermons  were 
carefully  prepared,  and  were  delivered  with  much  effectiveness.     He 


104 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


has  always  been  a  very  modest  man,  and  only  those  intimately  ac- 
quainted with  him  know  his  real  worth. 

Brother  Dantzler  has  been  married  twice.  On  December  19,  1867, 
he  married  Miss  Susan  E.  Crum.  They  had  one  child  born  to  them 
— Minnie  Edna.  This  wife  died  July  31,  1870.  His  second  mar- 
riage was  to  Miss  Mary  Frances  Goggans,  of  Newberry,  S.  C,  Oc- 
tober 14,  1874.  Of  this  union  the  following  children  were  born: 
Herbert  D.,  Lehre  L.,  Daniel  C,  and  Emily  Frances.  The  second 
wife  died  January  20,  1899. 


REV.  0.  A.  DARBY,  D.  D. 

Rev.  Osgood  Andrew  Darby,  D.  D.,  eldest  son  of  John  T.  and  Ann 
Eliza  Darby,  was  born  in  Charleston,  S.  C,  September  17,  1828.  He 
was  most  highly  favored  of  Heaven  in  having  Christian  parents. 
Fortunate  is  the  man  who  goes  out  into  the  world  to  meet  life's  great 


issues,  grapple  with  its  problems,  and  fight  its  battles,  fortified  in 
character  by  the  early  influences  of  a  Christian  home. 

The  subject  of  this  sketch  had  the  very  best  educational  advan- 
tages. He  was  educated  in  the  High  School  of  Charleston,  at  Cokes- 
bury  Conference  School,  and  at  the  South  Carolina  Military  Acad- 
emy, graduating  from  the  last-named  institution  in  November,  1850. 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches.  105 

After  his  graduation,  he  was  an  assistant  teacher  in  the  Carroll  Acad- 
emy, of  Ciiarleston.  for  the  year  185 1.  Was  licensed  to  preach  that 
year. 

Brother  Darl)y  was  admitted  on  trial  into  the  South  Carolina  Con- 
ference in  December,  1851,  being  the  only  one  admitted  that  year. 
He  has  faithfully  and  acceptably  served  the  Church  as  follows :  Or- 
angeburg Circuit,  lilack  Swamp  Circuit,  Greenville,  Wadesboro  (X. 
C),  Marion  Street  (Columbia),  Yorkville,  Pineville  (X.  C),  Paco- 
let  Circuit,  Shelby  (X.  C),  Lincolnton  (X.  C),  Union,  Newberry, 
Greenville,  Presiding  Elder  Lancaster  District,  Washington  Street, 
Presiding  Elder  Greenville  District,  Orangeburg,  President  Colum- 
bia Female  College  (nine  years),  traveled  in  Europe  (1891),  Bam- 
berg, Kingstree.  At  the  close  of  the  year  spent  at  Kingstree,  1893, 
he  was  placed  on  the  superannuate  list,  and  since  that  time  has  lived 
with  his  son  at  Magnolia,  S.  C. 

On  X^ovember  22,  1858,  Doctor  Darby  was  married  to  Mrs.  Cath- 
erine Withers,  eldest  daughter  of  Mr.  Joshua  Goove,  the  marriage 
taking  place  at  Yorkville,  S.  C.  They  have  one  child — Dr.  E.  Frank 
Darby,  a  successful  practitioner  of  ^Magnolia,  S.  C. 

Perhaps  no  one  among  us  has  made  a  more  enviable  record  than 
has  Dr.  Darby.  The  important  positions  to  which  he  was  appointed 
and  the  places  of  trust  and  honor  committed  to  his  hands  are  evi- 
dence sufficient  of  the  high  esteem  in  which  he  has  ever  been  held  by 
his  brethren.  Besides  the  appointments  mentioned  above,  the  doctor 
was  a  delegate  to  the  General  Conference  held  in  Atlanta  and  the  one 
held  in  X'ashville,  at  both  of  which  he  did  good  service. 

In  his  active  days  Dr.  Darby  was  justly  considered  an  eloquent 
preacher,  his  sermons  being  thoroughly  prepared  and  forcibly  deliv- 
ered. He  has  been  one  of  our  most  useful  men,  and,  though  now  on 
the  non-efifective  list,  he  is  looked  to  by  the  Conference  for  sound 
advice  and  godly  judgment.  He  justly  occupies  a  place  in  the  love 
and  esteem  of  the  brethren  and  sad  will  be  the  day  when  the  Confer- 
ence shall  learn  that  Osgood  Andrew  Darby  has  been  taken  from  us. 

Some  of  the  doctor's  most  lasting  work  was  done  while  president 
of  the  Columbia  Female  College.  Here  he  left  the  impress  of  a 
Christian  character  upon  hundreds  of  girls  who  have  gone  out  into 
the  world  to  perpetuate  his  influence. 


io6 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


REV.  MARION  DARGAN. 

Rev.  Marion  Dargan,  son  of  the  Hon.  Julius  H.  Dargan  and 
Martha  I.  Dargan,  was  born  in  DarHngton,  S.  C,  April  28th,  1857. 
His  education  began  in  the  excellent  schools  of  his  native  town, 
for  a  long  time  under  the  late  x^llan  ]McP.  Hamby ;  was  continued 


in  the  Charleston  High  School,  under  Prof.  V.  C.  Dibble,  and  he 
graduated  in  the  Theological  department  of  the  Vanderbilt  Uni- 
versity, attending  also  some  schools  in  the  Literary  department. 

He  was  converted  and  joined  the  Church  in  boyhood.  The  call 
to  the  ministry  rested  upon  his  heart  for  years.  After  resisting  a 
long  while,  and  passing  through  a  severe  spiritual  conflict,  he  decided 
to  obey,  and  this  he  did  with  that  energy  and  whole-heartedness 
characteristic  of  all  his  life  work.  He  was  licensed  to  preach,  and 
supplied  Lynchburg  and  St.  Lukes  in  1884.  In  December,  1884,  he 
entered  the  South  Carolina  Conference.  The  following  have  been 
his  appointments:  1885,  Donalds  Circuit;  1886,  Santee  Circuit; 
1887,  Orangeburg  Circuit;  1888-1890,  Marion  Street,  Columbia, 
S.  C. ;  1891  and  1892,  Abbeville  Station;  1893  to  1895,  agent  Colum- 
bia Female  College;  1896-1898,  Greenwood  Station;  1899  and 
1900,  Presiding  Elder,  Florence  District. 

During  his  year  in  Santee  Circuit  there  were  more  than  one  hun- 
dred additions  to  the  Church.  While  on  Orangeburg  Circuit,  the 
Conference   collections,    which    had   not   been   paid   hitherto,     were 


Twentieth  Cextlry  Sketches.  107 

brought  up  in  full,  with  a  surplus  of  more  than  $100.  At  Marion 
Street  the  salary  was  $565,  and  during  his  jjastorate  was  advanced 
to  $1,000,  all  claims  being  met  in  full.  So  at  .\bbeville  there  was  an 
increase  of  $250  in  salary  and  $200  on  that  at  (jreenwood.  At  the 
latter  station  a  large  church  del)t  was  paid  during  his  pastorate,  and 
money  for  seating  and  furnishing  the  church  was  also  raised.  In 
addition,  the  children  raised  enough  money  to  paint  the  church. 

At  all  his  ap])ointments  he  had  good  meetings,  some  of  remark- 
able power  and  attended  with  gracious  results. 

On  March  5th,  1884,  he  married  Miss  .Annie  H.  Hicklin,  daughter 
of  Dr.  J.  \\\  Hicklin.  of  Chester  Couni\ ,  S.  C.  Three  children  were 
born  of  this  union — Annie  Edina.  Marion,  jr..  and  William  Hicklin. 

The  record  shows  that  Brother  Dargan  has  been  a  most  successful 
preacher.  And  this  success  is  not  at  all  to  be  wondered  at.  A  man 
of  untiring  energy  and  industry,  he  never  knows  when  to  stop  work- 
ing ;  a  careful  student  and  reader,  he  carries  into  the  pulpit  thought- 
ful messages,  which  he  delivers  with  power.  His  experience  is 
clear,  his  love  for  God  and  man  ardent  and  self-sacrificing.  Such 
men  are  sure  to  succeed. 


io8 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


REV.  GEO.  W.  DAVIS. 

Rev.  George  W.  Davis,  son  of  J.  F.  H.  and  Mary  Tolbert  Davis, 
was  born  in  Greenwood,  S.  C,  Feb.  13th,  1863.  His  educational 
advantages  were  furnished  by  the  Greenwood  High  School,  and 
these  were  fully  utilized.  Besides,  he  has  continued  his  studies,  to 
his  manifest  advantage  and  the  profit  of  those  he  serves. 


He  joined  the  Church  and  was  soundly  converted  in  early  lite. 
He  entered  the  South  Carolina  Conference  in  November,  1889,  and 
has  served  the  following  charges:  1890-91,  Ellenton  Circuit; 
1892-93,  Cedar  Creek  Circuit;  1894-95,  Lexington  Fork  Circuit; 
1896-97,  Johnsonville  Circuit;  1898,  Union  Circuit;  1899,  Darling- 
ton Circuit ;  1900,  Edgefield  Circuit.  In  all  of  these  his  labors  were 
faithful  and  successful. 

On  November  19,  1892,  he  married  ]\Iiss  Nettie  Lever,  daughter 
of  Dr.  and  Mrs.  J.  D.  F.  Lever,  of  Richland  County.  Of  this  union 
there  have  been  three  children — Rogers  K.,  Gladys  G.  and  George 
Lever  Davis. 

Brother  Davis  is  an  excellent  preacher  and  pastor.  His  sermons 
are  well  prepared,  and  often  delivered  with  great  power.  There  is 
a  vein  of  humor  which  often  appears  in  private,  and  sometimes  in 
public,  but  it  helps  rather  than  hinders  the  effect  of  his  earnest  mes- 
sages. Friendly  and  genial  in  spirit,  he  wins  men  quickly  and  uses 
this  gift  to  draw  them  to  the  Master.  Devoutly  pious,  men  must 
take  notice  of  him  that  "he  has  been  with  Jesus." 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches.  109 


REV.  J.  C.  DAVIS. 

Rev.  James  C.  Davis,  son  of  Mr.  Elijah  Davis  and  Mrs.  Ellen 
Davis,  was  bom  in  Pickens  County,  S.  C,  April  28,  1849. 

In  his  boyhood  days  he  had  access  to  the  common  schools  of  the 
country,  but  his  educational  career  was  interfered  with  by  the  Civil 
War.  After  the  War,  he  attended  school  at  Cedar  Hill,  Spartanburg 
County..  After  he  was  admitted  on  trial  into  the  Conference,  he 
attended  school  at  Wofford  College  from  October,  1874,  till  June, 
1876. 

When  quite  a  boy  Brother  Davis  felt  impressed  that  it  would  be 
his  duty  to  preach  the  Gospel  when  he  grew  to  maturitv.  In  the 
early  part  of  1870  he  sought  the  Lord  and  joined  the  Church,  and 
soon  afterwards  was  satisfied  of  his  call  to  preach.  He  was  licensed 
to  exhort  in  1871,  and  was  licensed  to  preach  in  the  earlv  part  of 
1872. 

in  December,  1872,  Brother  Davis  was  received  on  trial  into  the 
Conference,  with  R.  W.  Barber,  C.  D.  Mann,  G.  H.  Pooser,  and  W. 
A.  Rogers.  He  has  served  as  follows :  Cherokee  Circuit  and  ]\Iis- 
sion,  1873:  Spartanburg  Circuit,  1874;  Student  at  Wofford  College, 
1875-6;  North  Marlboro  Circuit,  1877-8:  Lynch's  Creek  Circuit, 
1879;  Black  River  Circuit,  1 880-1  ;  Lake  City  Circuit,  1882-4;  Wal- 
halla  Circuit,  1885;  Pickens  Circuit;  1886-7;  Hanging  Rock  Circuit, 
1888-91  ;  Clifton  Circuit,  1892;  New  Zion  Circuit,  1893-4;  Scranton 
Circuit,  1895-6;  Williston  Circuit,  1897-9;  Round  O  Circuit,  1900- 
1901. 

The  Lord  has  greatly  blessed  the  labors  of  our  dear  brother  in 
these  fields.  He  is  a  hard  worker  and  his  work  tells.  He  is  a 
great  revivalist,  and  has  been  instrumental  in  leading  hundreds  of 
souls  to  Christ.  He  preaches  with  great  earnestness  and  at  times 
with  unusual  power  and  unction.  He  loves  his  people  and  visits 
them.  His  visits  arc  pastoral  in  the  true  sense,  not  merely  social 
calls. 

On  December  3,  1878,  Brother  Davis  was  married  to  Miss  Henri- 
etta Patrick  of  Marlboro  County.  Of  the  union  the  following  chil- 
dren were  born :  Mary  Ellen,  Marvin  Patrick,  William  C.  Ouillian. 
John  Wesley,  Wilson  Elijah,  Pearl,  Ruby,  and  Alice  McCreery. 
Of  these  Marv  Ellen  is  dead. 


no 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


REV.  T.  M.  DENT. 

Rev.  Thomas  Madison  Dent  is  one  of  our  most  successful  men. 
He  is  the  son  of  Mr.  James  M.  and  Mrs.  Hester  M.  Dent,  and  was 
born  December  23,  i860.  His  mother's  maiden  name  was  Mc- 
Clennv.     He  was  born  near  Columbia,  S.  C. 


His  advantages  for  an  education  have  been  of  the  best,  and  he  has 
made  good  use  of  them.  He  had  the  usual  course  of  training  in  the 
country  schools  of  Richland  County.  He  was  prepared  for  college 
at  Barnwell's  Classical  School,  in  Columbia,  S.  C,  and  at  the  Co- 
lumbia Male  Academy  during  the  presidency  of  Ex-Governor  Hugh 
S.  Thompson.  After  an  interval,  he  entered  the  South  Carolina 
College,  and  spent  three  years  there.  Realizing  the  Divine  call  to 
preach,  he  went  to  Vanderbilt  University  and  took  the  classical 
course  in  the  theological  department,  graduating  in  June,  1888.  He 
first  felt  the  impression  that  he  ought  to  preach  in  the  summer  of 
1882,  but  did  not  yield  until  about  three  years  later,  when  he  sur- 
rendered himself  unconditionally  to  God  for  the  work. 

During  his  course  at  Vanderbilt  University,  he  spent  his  vacations 
in  doing  evangelistic  work  in  one  of  the  poorer  counties  of  Ten- 
nessee, being  supported  in  the  work  by  a  wealthy  merchant.  He 
was  greatly  blessed  in  this  work,  and  his  experience  there  has  been 
of  great  help  to  him  in  his  revival  work  since. 

Brother  Dent  joined  the  Conference  at  Winnsboro,  in  November, 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches.  hi 

1888,  with  Xicholas  G.  Ballenger,  Pierce  F.  Kilg-o,  Henry  C. 
Mouzon,  John  L.  Ray,  Georg-e  R.  Shaffer,  Robert  E.  Stackhouse, 
Ellie  P.  Taylor,  E.  Alston  \\'ilkes,  and  W.  Asbury  Wright. 

He  has  served  the  following  charges:  Clifton  Circuit,  1889;  Paco- 
let  Circuit,  1890-1 ;  Hanging  Rock  Circuit,  1892;  Bishopville  Station, 
1893-4;  Winnsboro  Station,  1895-7;  Gaffney  Station,  1898;  Clio 
Circuit,  1899-1900;  Clio  and  Beulah,  1901.  The  Lord  has  blessed 
the  labors  of  our  good  brother  in  these  various  fields. 

As  might  be  expected  from  the  thorough  preparation  he  has  had, 
Brother  Dent  is  a  good  preacher.  His  sermons  are  practical  and  to 
the  point.  He  is  ever  vigilant  as  to  the  demands  or  needs  of  the 
pastorate.  His  people  love  him,  and  are  always  sorry  to  see  him 
move. 

While  at  Vanderbilt  University,  Brother  Dent  became  the  for- 
tunate victim  of  the  charms  of  Miss  Tommie  J.  Leek,  of  Tennessee, 
and  they  were  married  September  18,  1888.  They  have  live  children 
— Wilbur  Tillett.  Leland  Leek.  Thomas  Julian,  James  Marion,  and 
Clarence  Turner. 


112 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


REV.  R.  M.  DuBOSE. 

The  subject  of  this  paper,  Rev.  R.  M.  DuBose,  was  born  in  Dar- 
lington County,  S.  C,  April  20,  1866.  His  parents  were  descend- 
ants of  the  French  Huguenots,  and  were  loyal  Methodists  and  de- 
voted Christians.     His  great-grandfather,  J.  M.  Jenkins,  served  in 


the  Revolutionary  war  and  afterwards  became  a  member  of  the 
South  Carolina  Conference. 

Our  young  friend's  early  education  was  such  as  the  ordinary 
country  school  afforded.  At  the  age  of  twenty-one  years  he  left 
home  and  the  loved  ones  and  went  to  the  Cokesbury  Conference 
School,  where  he  remained  from  September  10,  1887,  till  June  6, 
1888.  He  then  returned  home  and  two  weeks  afterward  experienced 
the  loss  of  his  father  by  death.  He  was  intending  to  go  to  Wofford 
College  that  fall  and  was  fearful  that  he  would  not  be  able  to  do  so 
on  account  of  the  death  of  his  father.  But  when  the  time  came  a 
way  was  opened  and  the  }Oung  man  with  glad  heart  entered  Wof- 
ford College.  On  account  of  deficient  preparation  he  was  afraid 
he  would  not  be  able  to  pursue  the  regular  college  course.  He  was 
admitted,  however,  on  trial,  and  by  diligent  study  was  enabled  to  pass 
the  examination.  He  graduated  in  June,  1892,  in  a  class  of  twenty- 
nine. 

In  November,  1892,  Brother  DuBose  joined  the  Conference  at  the 
session  held  in  Charleston,  S.  C,  E.  H.  Beckham,  George  F.  Clark- 
son,  J.  L.  Daniel,  Olin  L.  DuRant,  Shala  W.  Henry,  E.  P.  Hutson, 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches.  113 


P.  B.  Ingraham,  J.  N.  Isom,  W.  B.  Justus,  A.  S.  Lesley,  W.  H. 
Miller,  E.  K.  Moore,  D.  M.  McLeod,  R.  C.  McRoy,  A.  R.  Phillips, 
J.  J.  Stevenson,  R.  W.  Spigner,  T.  J.  White,  W.  B.  Wharton  and 
W.  E.  Wiggins  joining  with  him. 

He  has  served  as  follows:  Junior  preacher  on  Salter's  Circuit, 
1893;  Britton's  Neck  Circuit,  1894-5;  Lexington  Circuit,  1896-7; 
South  Florence  Circuit,  1898-9;  Lanes  Circuit,  1900-1901.  In  each 
of  these  charges  our  young  friend  has  had  success,  building  up  the 
Church  and  leading  many  souls  to  Christ.  He  deserves  great  credit 
for  the  success  in  his  struggle  for  an  education.  No  doubt  this  same 
perseverance  and  determination  will  ever  characterize  him  in  his 
work. 

When  he  went  on  a  courting  expedition,  this  same  perseverance 
was  manifested,  and  he  finally  won  the  fair  hand  and  faithful  heart 
of  Miss  Essie  A.  DuBose,  of  Kershaw  County,  S.  C.  They  were 
married  November  28,  1893— she,  of  course,  "marrying  him  to  get 
rid  of  him."  They  have  two  children — Robert  and  Norman— who 
it  is  hoped  will  take  their  looks  after  the  mother  and  the  determina- 
tion after  the  father. 


114 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


REV.  R.  L.  DUFFIE. 

Rev.  Reuben  L.  Duffie,  son  of  R.  L.  and  Anna  McClintock  Duffic, 
was  born  January  7,  1840.  He  received  the  usual  training  of  the 
country  schools  and,  with  the  expectation  of  entering  college  later, 
he  matriculated   at   a   school  of  high  grade  at   Blackstock,   S.    C, 


taught  by  Prof.  A.  C.  Elder,  A.  M.,  a  graduate  of  the  South  Caro- 
lina College.  But  the  cherished  ambition  of  a  collegiate  education 
was  blighted.  Just  about  the  time  he  was  prepared  for  college,  the 
Civil  War  came  on,  and  the  boy  left  school  in  April.  1861,  joining  a 
command  and  going  to  Charleston  for  service.  He  remained  in  ser- 
vice four  years,  doing  his  duty  faithfully  as  a  soldier. 

Brother  Duffie  was  converted  quite  young,  and  joined  the  Church. 
At  the  age  of  fifteen  years  he  felt  impressed  that  preaching  the 
Gospel  would  be  his  life  work.  This  conviction  grew  upon  the  boy 
until  he  felt  that  he  must  disclose  it  to  some  one.  This  he  did  to 
his  father,  who  gladly  heard  it  and  at  once  prepared  to  send  the  boy 
off  to  school  at  Blackstock,  as  mentioned  above,  to  prepare  for 
college. 

He  was  licensed  to  exhort  immediately  after  the  close  of  the  war, 
and  in  the  fall  of  1866  he  was  licensed  to  preach.  He  joined  the 
Conference  in  December,  1866,  and  has  served  as  follows:  Charlotte 
Circuit,  1867,  with  J.  W.  Proctor  as  preacher  in  charge;  Hanging 
Rock  Circuit,  1868-9;  Dorn's  Mine  Circuit,  1870-1 ;  Waccamaw  Cir- 
8— S 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches.  115 

cuit  and  Mission,  1872;  Conwayboro  Circuit  and  Mission,  1873; 
Effingham  Circuit,  1874-5;  Salters  Circuit,  1876-7;  Lancaster  Cir- 
cuit, 1878;  Tradesvillc  Circuit,  1879-80;  Sniithville  Circuit,  1881-3; 
Columbia  Circuit,  1884;  Georgetown  Circuit,  1885-6.  During  the 
last-named  year  our  good  brother  sufifered  a  severe  attack  of  mus- 
cular rheumatism,  which  disabled  him  for  active  service.  At  the 
session  of  the  Conference  held  that  fall  in  Orangeburg  he  was  placed 
on  the  superannuate  list,  where  he  has  been  ever  since,  never  having 
fully  recovered. 

Brother  Duffie  was  a  successful  itinerant  preacher  during  his  active 
ministry.  His  zealous  labors  resulted  in  an  average  of  about  fifty 
members  per  year!  He  diligently  looked  after  family  religion  among 
his  members,  succeeding  in  establishing  many  family  altars. 

Brother  Duffie  was  married,  on  April  19,  1865,  to  Miss  Amelia 
Scott.  They  have  eight  living  children — C.  L.  Duffie.  Lula,  Sue, 
Hattie,  Cora,  James,  Lillie  and  Xellie.  They  have  four  dead — 
two  died  in  infancy ;  the  other  two,  Irene  and  Lizzie,  died  at  eight 
and  nine  years  of  age,  respectively. 


f^M;?v?i. 


ii6 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


REV.  M.  F.  DUKES. 

Rev.  Marion  F.  Dukes  was  born  at  the  old  homestead  three  miles 
from  Branch ville,  in  Orangeburg  County,  S.  C,  Nov.  2nd,  1867. 
He  joined  the  Church  when  eleven  years  old  under  the  preaching  of 
Rev.  Thomas  Raysor  and  was  converted  during  a  revival  held  by 


Rev.  W.  H.  Hodges,  and  under  the  preaching  of  Rev.  J.  E.  Beard 
at  Branchville.  He  was  licensed  to  preach  the  Gospel  of  Christ 
Sept.  14,  1889,  by  the  Quarterly  Conference  held  at  Cattle  Creek 
Camp  Ground,  Thos.  J.  Clyde,  Presiding  Elder.  He  served  six 
months  as  a  supply  on  the  Indian  River  Mission,  in  Florida.  Jackson- 
ville District,  Dr.  T.  W.  Tomkins,  Presiding  Elder.  That  was  in 
1892.  He  was  recommended  by  the  Quarterly  Conference  for  ad- 
mission on  trial,  was  admitted  January,  1893,  and  was  ordained 
Deacon  the  8th  day  of  January,  1893,  by  Bishop  O.  P.  Fitzgerald, 
and  ordained  Elder  by  Bishop  W.  W.  Duncan  at  Tampa,  Dec.  19, 
1897. 

In  1893  Mr.  Dukes  served  the  Indian  River  Mission.  He  was 
stationed  at  Mandarin,  on  the  St.  John's  River,  1894-95.  He  served 
Leon  Circuit,  1896-97;  the  Ancilla  Circuit,  1898;  and  Waukeenah 
Circuit,  1899.  He  was  transferred  by  Bishop  W.  A.  Candler,  Dec. 
6,  1899,  to  the  South  Carolina  Conference  and  in  1900  served  Bucks- 
ville  Circuit. 

Mr.  Dukes  was  married  to  Miss  Venna  Lee  Johnston  on  the  23d 
of  December,  1888,  and  she  died  at  Juno,  Fla.,  Aug.  23,  1893.     Of 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


117 


this  marriage,  however,  Jennie  Lee  Dukes  was  horn  the  14th  of  April, 
1890.  He  was  married  the  second  time  to  Miss  May  Eva  Sessions, 
of  Florida,  Dec.  8,  1896.  From  this  union  Malcolm  Fay  Dukes  was 
born  Jan.  16,  1897. 

Mr.  Dukes  has  had  his  share  of  the  trouhles  of  life,  hut  has  gone 
on  patientlv  and  suhmissively  hearing  his  hurdens  and  faithfully 
doing  his  work.  His  ministry  is  fruitful  in  good  works.  His  sole 
desire  is  to  serve  God  and  save  men. 


REV.  WADDY  T.  DUNCAN. 

Perhaps  there  is  no  young  preacher  in  the  South  Carolina  Con- 
ference who  is  more  promising  than  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  Rev. 
Waddy  Thompson  Duncan.  He  comes  of  excellent  stock,  being  the 
son  of  Mr.  Benjamin  F.  Duncan  and  Mrs.  T.  Emiline  Duncan.  He 
was  born  ]\Iav  18,  1868.  in  Anderson  County,  S.  C. 


Trained  in  the  home  and  in  the  i)rimary  schools  of  the  country, 
our  young  friend  was  then  sent  to  Patrick  Military  Institute.  After 
his  course  here,  he  entered  W'offord  College,  from  which  institution 
he  graduated  in  June,  1894. 

Brother  Duncan  seems  indeed  a  chosen  vessel  of  the  Lord,  emi- 
nently adapted  to  the  work  for  which  he  is  called.     He  has  a  fine 


ii8  Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


physique,  a  strong  mind,  which  has  been  thoroughly  trained,  and 
a  clear  religious  experience.  These  qualifications,  coupled  with  an 
irresistible  impression  that  he  ought  to  preach  the  Gospel,  and  with  a 
full  consecration  of  heart  and  life  to  the  service  of  the  Master,  con- 
stitute an  equipment  which  assures  a  successful  ministry.  He  is  a 
forceful  preacher,  his  sermons,  which  are  carefully  prepared,  evi- 
dencing deep  thought  and  much  meditation.  He  looks  well  to  the 
various  interests  of  his  pastorate,  and  is  making  a  record  that  will 
perpetuate  his  memory  to  the  generations  to  come. 

After  due  process  of  preparation.  Brother  Duncan  was  received 
into  the  Conference  on  trial  in  December,  1894,  with  Martin  L. 
Banks,  Jr.,  Connor  B.  Burns,  Robert  C.  Boulware,  Henry  J.  Cauthen, 
William  S.  Goodwin,  Edward  S.  Jones,  William  A.  Kelly,  Stephen 
A.  Nettles,  W.  A.  Pitts,  Jno.  R.  Sojourner,  W.  J.  Snyder  and  P.  B. 
Wells.  He  has  served  as  follows  :  South  Anderson  Circuit,  Smith- 
ville  Circuit,  McCormick  Circuit.  At  the  late  session  of  the  Con- 
ference he  was  appointed  to  Donald's  Circuit,  where  he  has  entered 
hopefully  upon  his  work.  His  first  circuit  contained  the  church 
where  his  parents  lived  and  worshipped,  and  where  he  was  reared. 
A  very  unusual  occurrence. 

Our  good  friend  and  brother  was  married  December  15,  1898, 
to  Miss  Rebecca  Green,  of  Sumter  County,  S.  C.  She  is  a  daughter 
of  Dr.  H.  D.  Green  and  a  grand-daughter  of  the  late  Rev.  H.  D. 
Green,  who  was  one  of  the  pioneers  of  Methodism  in  South  Caro- 
lina.    Of  this  union  one  child  has  been  born — Waddy  Thompson,  Jr. 


Twentieth  Cextury  Sketches. 


119 


REV.  WATSON  B.  DUNCAN. 

Watson  Boone  Duncan,  }onncrcst  child  of  ^Ir.  J.  D.  F.  Duncan 
and  Mrs.  Dulcenia  Hopper  Duncan,  was  born  near  Blacksburg,  in 
York  County,  S.  C,  March  19,  1867. 

He  received  his  primary  and  preparatory  education  at  the  common 
schools  of  the  community  and  at  the  Black's  High  School,  under 


Rev.  Jno.  Emory  Watson  :  at  the  Broad  River  Academy,  under  Rev. 
W.  M.  Duncan ;  and  at  the  Cherokee  High  School,  under  Rev.  J.  A. 
^^'hite,  of  North  Carolina.  He  was  then  two  years  at  Wofford  Col- 
lege, pursuing  the  full  .\.  B.  course  while  there,  but  was  compelled, 
on  account  of  failing  eyes  and  a  failing  purse,  to  abandon  his  college 
course.  After  leaving  Wofford  his  eyes  improved,  and,  securing 
Doctor  Carlisle's  certificate  showing  the  ground  covered  while  at 
college  there,  he  matriculated  with  the  Polytechnic  College,  and  by 
two  years  of  hard  study  and  rigid  examinations  he  finished  the  A. 
B.  course,  receiving  the  degree.  He  then  took  his  A.  M.  course 
with  Erskine  College.  He  also  took  the  (.'liautau(|ua  course  of  study 
for  four  years. 

He  was  converted  and  joined  the  Church  when  eleven  years  old, 
and  soon  afterward  realized  the  Divine  call  to  preach.  He  yielded 
without  hesitation,  and  began  to  prepare  for  the  work. 

In  December,  1887.  he  joined  the  Conference,  R.  L.  Holroyd, 
Alston  B.  Earle,  Wesley  E.  Barre,  James  W.  Kilgo,  John  L.  Harley, 


120 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


Robt.  A.  Yongue,  Sam  T.  Blackman,  J.  Pierce  Attaway,  W.  L.  Wait, 
and  James  E.  Mahaffev  joining  at  the  same  time.  He  has  served  as 
follows:  Oakland  Circuit,  1888;  Wedgefield  Circuit,  1889;  Carters- 
ville  Circuit,  1890;  Timmonsville  Circuit,  1891-2;  Kingstree  Sta- 
tion. 1893-5:  Allendale  Circuit,  1896-8;  St.  George  Station,  1899- 
1900;  First  Church,  Laurens.  1901. 

On  February  6,  1889,  he  was  married  to  Miss  Lizzie  Huggins, 
daughter  of  Dr.  H.  H.  Huggins,  of  JManning,  S.  C.  Their  first  child 
died  in  infancy.  Following  are  the  names  of  their  living  children : 
Watson  Boone,  Elizabeth  Louise,  and  Herman  Franklin. 


REV.  W.  M.  DUNCAN. 

His  full  name  is  ^^'hitefoord  AIcKendree  Duncan.  The  "White- 
foord"  is  for  Dr.  Whitefoord  Smith,  for  many  years  (1833-1893) 
the  golden-mouthed  Chrysostom  of  South  Carolina  Methodism,  and 
to  whom  Whitefoord  Duncan,  since  the  death  of  Newton  Wells,  is 


the  successor  in  the  South  Carolina  Conference  in  fluent  and  pleas- 
ing oratory.  The  writer  sat  by  the  side  of  the  accomplished  Prof. 
Joynes  (S.  C.  University)  on  the  Wofford  rostrum  the  day  Mr.  Dun- 
can graduated  (1884)  and  heard  his  graduating  speech.  Said  the 
professor  at  its  close :  "Taken  altogether  that  is  the  most  creditable 
performance  of  the  kind  I  have  ever  heard."  It  was  high  praise 
from  a  high  source.     Laitdari  0  riz'o  laudato.     Mr.  Duncan's  preach- 


Twentieth  Cextl'rv  Sketches.  121 

ing  in  the  various  chare:es  of  tlie  Conference  he  lias  served  since  he 
joined  in  1884,  '■  ''••  Aiken.  W'innshoro.  Cheraw,  Summerville,  W'al- 
terboro,  Camden,  has  full\  vinchcated  liis  early  ])romise  both  in  the 
maimer  and  matter  of  his  preaching-.  He  is  a  X(jrth  Carohnian  ;  was 
born  of  Metliochst  jiarentage  in  Cleveland  County.  Sept.  24,  1857. 
The  family  moving  to  S<nith  Carolina  in  his  childhood,  he  was  con- 
verted and  joined  the  Church  at  Blacksburg,  in  his  adopted  State, 
when  he  was  18  years  old.  Mr.  Duncan  has  shown  good  capacity 
for  business  details  since  his  connection  with  the  Conference.  He 
served  as  Chairman  of  the  Joint  Board  of  Finance  for  eight  vears 
and  is  now  (1900)  in  his  tenth  year  as  Secretary  of  the  South  Caro- 
lina (Legal)  Conference.  His  clear  voice  and  pleasing  manner,  to- 
gether with  his  quick  intelligence  and  promptness,  well  fit  him  for 
such  work. 

He  was  married  Xov.  15,  1888.  to  ^liss  Susie,  daughter  of  Dr. 
Henry  Bruns,  for  many  years  a  distinguished  professor  in  the  Col- 
lege of  Charleston.  Of  this  union  there  have  been  born  four 
daughters. 


122 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


REV.  A.  T.  DUNLAP. 

Rev.  Archibald  Tarrant  Dunlap,  son  of  the  late  John  M.  and 
]\Iartha  A.  Dunlap,  was  born  in  Anderson  County,  South  Carolina, 
February  22nd,  i860.  His  education  was  begun  in  the  Honea  Path 
High  School  and  the  Anderson  Military  Academy,  and  has  been 


continued  by  home  studies  and  readings  to  this  day.  He  grew  up 
in  a  home  of  piety,  and  has  been  a  member  of  the  Methodist  Epis- 
copal Church,  South,  since  boyhood.  In  September,  1877,  he  was 
soundly  converted  to"  God.  He  felt  called  to  the  ministry  at  the  time 
of  his  conversion,  and  he  had  no  peace  until  he  determined  to  obey  it. 
He  was  licensed  as  a  local  preacher,  November  24,  1886.  In 
1887  he  served  Anderson  Circuit  as  a  supply,  and  the  people 
who  knew  him  from  childhood  gladly  heard  the  Word  at  his 
lips  and  honored  him  as  much  as  they  could  any  stranger. 
The  year  was  one  of  marked  success  in  all  departments.  A 
part  of  his  extraordinary  work  on  this  circuit  was  securing  eighty 
new  subscribers  to  The  Southern  Christian  Advocate.  No  wonder 
the  Bishop  thought  him  the  man  for  the  work  in  the  Far  West. 

So  favorable  was  the  impression  made  by  the  year's  labor  that 
episcopal  eyes  sought  him  out  and  he  was  induced  to  go  to  the  Los 
Angeles  Conference,  where  he  served  the  Santa  Maria  Circuit  as  a 
supply  till  Conference.     In  September,  1888,  he  was  received  on  trial 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches.  123 


bv  the  Los  Angeles  Conference.  His  appointments  were  as  follows : 
1889-90,  Carpenteria  Station;  1891-92-93,  Lompoc  Station.  In  this 
difficult  Western  field  he  was  faithful  and  successful.  In  October, 
1893,  he  was  transferred  to  the  South  Carolina  Conference,  and  in 
December  was  appointed  to  Piedmont  Station,  where  he  labored  suc- 
cessfully the  three  following  years.  In  1897-98  he  served  Pendleton 
Circuit,  and  in  1899- 1900,  Santee  Circuit — in  both  fields  winning 
souls  for  his  hire. 

November  22d,  1888,  he  married  Miss  Cicely  Thomas,  of  Spar- 
tanburg, S.  C,  who  has  been  a  helpmeet  in  his  work  and  a  blessing 
in  his  home.  Four  children — Annie  Louise,  James  Earle,  Ruth 
Thomas  and  Marion  Thomas— have  been  the  fruit  of  this  union  of 
congenial  hearts. 

Brother  Dunlap  is  a  capital  preacher.  His  sermons  are  thought- 
ful, clear,  strong,  orthodox ;  his  language  is  choice :  his  voice  musi- 
cal. Above  all,  he  preaches  with  conviction  of  the  truth  and  with 
unction  from  the  Holy  One.  As  a  pastor,  he  is  faithful  and 
judicious.  All  the  duties  of  a  Methodist  preacher  are  carefully 
attended  to  by  him.  Naturally,  he  wins  souls  and  builds  up  believers 
wherever  he  goes. 

As  a  man,  our  good  brother  is  friendly  and  true.  He  loves  men, 
and  loves  in  deed  as  well  as  in  word.  He  is  a  good  companion, 
havmg  a  quaint  humor  which  pleases  but  does  not  sting. 

As  a  Christian,  he  walks  worthily  of  his  vocation — and  what  more 
can  anv  man  do? 


124 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


REV.  OLIN  L.  DuRANT. 

Rev.  Olin  Lowry  DuRant,  son  of  Rev.  Henry  Hill  DuRant  and 
Martha  Theodora  DuRant,  was  born  at  Wadesboro,  N.  C,  December 
lo.  1843.  For  many  years  the  sainted  father  of  our  brother  was  an 
honored  member  of  the  South  Carolina  Conference. 


Being  the  son  of  an  itinerant,  Brother  DuRant  had  access  to  such 
schools  as  were  within  the  bounds  of  the  various  charges  served  by 
his  father.  Having  been  prepared  in  these  schools,  he  entered 
Wofiford  College,  where  he  was  making  an  excellent  record,  when 
his  college  course  was  interrupted  by  the  Civil  War.  He  was  in 
the  Sophomore  class  when  he  left  college  to  enter  the  army  in  the 
spring  of  1862.  He  who  had  been  faithful  in  school  and  college 
was  henceforth,  till  the  close  of  the  war,  in  1865,  a  faithful  soldier 
in  the  service  of  his  country.  This,  however,  concluded  his  college 
course,  as  he  was  not  permitted  to  re-enter  after  the  close  of  the  war. 

From  his  earliest  recollections.  Brother  DuRant  had  an  impression 
that  he  would  have  to  preach  the  Gospel.  This  impression  deepened 
with  advancing  years  until  1869,  when  his  heart  responded  to  the 
Divine  call  and  he  said :  "Here  am  I ;  send  me."  He  was  licensed 
to  preach  in  1870.  He  served  in  the  capacity  of  a  supply  as  follows : 
Seneca  Circuit,  1872;  Pickens  Circuit,  1873;  Pickens  Mission,  1887; 
South  Anderson  Circuit,  1892. 

In  November,  1892,  he  was  received  on  trial  into  the  Conference, 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches.  12- 


and  has  since  served  as  follows:  South  Anderson  Circuit,  1893; 
Townville  Circuit,  1894;  Pickens  Circuit,  1895;  Greenville  Circuit, 
1896-7;  Georgetown  Circuit,  1898;  Lanes  Circuit,  1899;  South  Flor- 
ence, 1 900- 1 90 1. 

He  was  ordained  Deacon  by  Bishop  H.  X.  McTyeire.  December 
14.  1873  ;  and  was  ordained  Elder  by  Bisho])  W.  AI.  Wightman,  at 
Charleston,  S.  C,  December  21,  1879. 

Brother  DuRant  was  married  January  14,  1868,  to  ]Miss  Mary  J. 
Nix,  of  Colleton  County,  S.  C.  They  have  nine  children— Ella 
Carrie,  Henry  Asbury,  Robert  Franks,  Edward  Marvin.  Martha 
Clyde,  Flora  Elise,  Alifif  Elmira.  Oscar  More^an  and  Mary  Joanna. 

Our  g-ood  brother  is  quiet  and  unassuming-  in  his  manner,  but  is 
a  faithful  and  effective  worker.  His  sermons  are  well  delivered, 
and  are  often  accompanied  with  great  force.  His  influence  in  the 
homes  of  the  people  is  powerful  for  good.  When  he  leaves  a  home, 
the  people  feel  indeed  that  a  man  of  God  has  been  with  them.  He 
seeks  not  place  or  position,  but  simply  a  field  in  which  to  serve  God 
and  save  men. 


126 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


REV.  ALSTON  B.  EARLE, 

The  Rev.  Alston  B.  Earle,  son  of  the  late  James  P.  and  Anna  E. 
Earle,  was  born  February  4th,  1865,  in  the  city  of  Greenville,  but 
grew  up  in  Charleston,  S.  C,  the  residence  of  his  parents.  The 
family  had  refugeed  in  Greenville  during  the  latter  part  of  the  Con- 
federate war. 


He  was  educated  in  the  public  schools  of  Charleston,  was  prepared 
for  college  by  Mr.  B.  R.  Stuart,  and  graduated  at  Wofford  College 
in  June,  1887.  He  joined  Trinity  Church,  Charleston,  and  was  con- 
verted when  a  little  over  fifteen  years  of  age,  during  the  first  pas- 
torate of  the  late  Dr.  R.  N.  Wells.  Soon  after,  he  felt  called  to 
preach — the  call  coming  as  a  conviction  of  duty  and  an  irresistible 
drawing  towards  the  ministry.  Along  with  the  decision  came  the 
determination  to  secure  the  needful  education.  He  was  licensed  to 
preach  and  recommended  to  the  Annual  Conference  by  the  Quarterly 
Conference  of  Trinity,  then  served  by  the  Rev.  John  O.  Willson. 
From  June,  1887,  until  the  session  of  the  South  Carolina  Conference 
following,  he  served  Algiers  Station — a  charge  opposite  New  Or- 
leans, Louisiana.     His  work  there  was  most  successful. 

Returning  to  South  Carolina,  he  was  received  on  trial  into  the 
traveling  connection  at  the  Conference  held  November,  1887,  at 
Spartanburg,  and  has  served  the  following  appointments :  Hampton 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches.  127 


Circuit,  1888,  "89,  \jo;  Seneca  Circuit,  91.,  "92;  Xorth  Greenville, 
'93;  Williamston,  '94,  '95,  96;  Timmonsville.  "97:  Kingstree,  '98; 
Beaufort  Station,  1899,  1900,  1901.  In  all  his  charges  there  was 
growth  in  all  departments  of  Church  work.  The  material  and  spir- 
itual interests  were  huilt  up  and  strengthened.  At  Seneca  he  built 
a  comfortable  parsonage,  and  at  Timmonsville  greatly  improved  the 
parsonage  and  church  building.  In  his  present  pastorate  his  success 
has  been  marked,  and  the  i)romise  is  for  even  greater  success.  He 
was  ordained  Deacon  by  Bishop  Keener  at  W'innsboro  in  1888,  and 
Elder  by  Bishop  Granbery  at  Darlington  in  1891.. 

On  June  15th,  1887,  he  married  Miss  Carrie  \'.  Kirby,  daughter 
of  Maj.  A.  H.  Kirby.  of  Spartanburg,  who  has  been  a  helper  and  an 
inspiration  to  him.  1  lis  wife's  father  has  given  three  daughters  and 
one  son  to  the  Methodist  itinerancy  :  Mrs.  Earle,  'Sirs.  H.  F.  Chreitz- 
berg,  Mrs.  E.  S.  Jones  and  Rev.  George  F.  Kirby,  of  the  Western 
North  Carolina  Conference.  Seven  children  have  blessed  the  home 
of  Brother  Earle :  Gladys  Eulalie,  Alston  B.,  Jr.,  Bessie,  James  P., 
Mary  Julia,  Ralph  Lander  and  Carol  Kirby. 

Brother  Earle  graduated  commencement  day,  June,  1887,  married 
that  night,  and  started  for  Xew  Orleans — by  way  of  Charleston — on 
the  day  following.  He  indeed  "commenced"  his  life's  work  in  all 
directions  at  the  sanie  time. 

Our  brother  is  an  excellent  preacher ;  he  prepares  his  sermons  with 
great  care,  and  delivers  them  most  impressively.  As  a  pastor,  he  is 
kind,  sympathetic,  a  real  help.  His  work  is  conducted  systematically 
and  faithfully.  He  is  able  to  give  information  on  any  line  of  Church 
work  upon  call,  and  can  lay  his  hands  in  a  moment  upon  any  record. 
His  manners  are  graceful,  his  courtesy  is  unfailing.  He  is  emphat- 
ically a  gentleman  as  well  as  a  sincere  Christian  and  devoted  minister. 
And  everywhere  God  rejoices  his  heart  by  giving  the  highest  success 
— the  conversion  of  sinners. 

Fie  has  taken  great  interest  in  secret  fraternities,  is  a  member  of 
the  order  of  Knights  of  Pythias  and  an  enthusiastic  Mason,  having 
taken  the  Lodge,  the  Chapter,  the  Council  and  the  Templar  degrees. 


128 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


REV.  J.  W.  ELKINS. 

(The  writer  has  known  the  subject  of  this  sketch  all  of  his  life, 
and  hence  is  prepared  to  speak  advisedly  as  to  his  career.) 

John  William  Elkins  was  born  in  Richland  County,  S.  C,  Decem- 
ber 7,  1858.     He  is  the  eldest  son  of  John  A.  and  Mary  A.  Elkins. 


The  family  is  of  English  descent,  and  was  represented  in  the  Ameri- 
can Revolutionary  War.  He  was  educated  in  the  private  schools  of 
Columbia  and  at  Vanderbilt  University,  remaining  in  that  institu- 
tion three  years,  the  last  year  taking  the  course  of  two  years.  While 
a  student  at  Vanderbilt  he  was  sent,  during  vacation,  by  Bishop  Mc- 
Tyeire,  to  Waynesville  Circuit,  to  take  the  place  of  the  Rev.  James 
L.  Kennedy,  who  went  as  a  missionary  to  Brazil.  This  circuit  had 
ten  churches,  and  Brother  Elkins  served  the  work  afoot.  After  he 
left  Vanderbilt  he  served  a  union  church  on  Sullivan's  Island. 

Having  felt  divinely  impressed  with  a  call  to  preach  the  gospel, 
he  responded  promptly.  He  was  admitted,  on  trial  in  the  South 
Carolina  Conference  at  Greenville,  in  December,  1882.  Since  then 
he  has  served  the  following  charges  :  1883,  West  Lancaster  Circuit ; 
1884-5,  Cheraw  Station;  1886,  Mars  Bluff  Station;  1887,  Williston 
Circuit;  1888,  Blacksburg  Circuit;  1889,  Lexington  Fork  Circuit; 
1890-1,  Round  O  Circuit;  1892,  St.  George's  Circuit;  1893-4,  Bam- 
berg Station ;  1895,  Seneca  and  Walhalla  Station ;  1896-8,  Bishop- 
ville  Station  ;  1899- 1900,  Conway  Station. 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


I2y 


In  December,  1885,  he  was  married  to  Leonora  Temperance  Reid, 
of  Cheraw,  S.  C.  They  have  four  children — John  William,  Marvin 
Boyd,  Newton  Carlisle  Reid  and  Paul  Jem. 

With  a  large  library  of  choice  books,  he  continues  to  diligently 
study.  In  addition  to  these  studies,  he  is  pursuing  a  course  for  the 
A.  M.  degree  offered  by  Wofford  College  to  preachers  having  com- 
pleted the  four  years'  Conference  course. 

He  has  been  successful  in  his  work  in  all  the  charges  he  has  served. 
His  sermons  are  well  prepared  and  earnestly  and  impressively  de- 
livered. He  has  never  served  a  charge  but  that  the  people  desired 
his  return. 


REV.  S.  P.  H.  ELWELL.  D.  D. 

Rev.  Silas  Pinckney  Holbrook  Ehvell,  D.  D..  son  of  John  L.  and 
Rachel  Ehvell.  was  born  near  what  is  now  known  as  Foreston,  S.  C, 


\ 


^  *S^ 


f 


January  5th,  1842. 

He  was  married  to  Miss  Julia  C.  Rhame  of  Clarendon,  S.  C,  De- 

9-S. 


130  Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 

cember  27th,  i860.     He  died  suddenly  in  Columbia,  S.  C,  February 
17th,  1900. 

He  was  educated  in  the  schools  of  his  neighborhood,  and  in  the 
town  of  Sumter,  S. .  C.  He  was  an  ardent  student,  and  made  the 
best  use  of  his  limited  opportunities. 

When  the  tocsin  of  war  between  the  States  was  sounded  he  was 
among  the  first  to  respond  to  the  call  of  his  State.  He  served  in 
the  Twenty-third  Regiment  of  the  South  Carolina  Volunteers.  He 
was  on  duty  in  his  native  State  until  1863,  when  he  went  with  his 
regiment  to  the  West  to  reinforce  General  Joseph  E.  Johnston  for 
the  relief  of  General  Pemberton,  besieged  in  Vicksburg,  Miss.  In 
this  campaign  he  was  severely  wounded,  and  lost  his  left  arm  at  the 
shoulder. 

A  truer,  nobler  soldier  never  bore  arms  in  his  country's  cause. 
He  was  left  in  the  hands  of  the  enemy,  and  the  narrative  of  his 
escape  from  them  furnishes  a  story  of  heroic  courage  and  tact  un- 
surpassed in  the  history  of  the  war. 

On  his  return  home  he  became  an  enthusiastic  Confederate  vet- 
eran. He  was  a  member  of  Camp  Hampton  of  the  United  Confed- 
erate Veterans,  on  the  staff  of  General  C.  I.  Walker.  It  was  he  who 
inaugurated  the  movement  to  erect  a  monument  to  the  women  of  the 
Confederacy.  He  used  his  influence  effectively  for  the  introduction 
of  Southern  histories  in  Southern  schools. 

As  a  Christian  and  as  a  Christian  minister  he  was  most  conspic- 
uous. He  was  converted  to  God  about  the  age  of  twelve  years,  while 
attending  school  in  Sumter,  S.  C.  In  his  early  youth  he  was  im- 
pressed that  he  was  called  of  God  to  preach  the  Gospel.  Though 
he  was  "disobedient  to  the  heavenly  vision,"  he  never  swerved  from 
his  integrity  during  the  war,  nor  did  he  succeed  in  ridding  himself 
of  the  conviction  for  his  life  work.  He  desired  to  study  law,  but  the 
earnest  protest  of  his  mother  barred  his  way  thither. 

Under  the  advice  of  his  teacher  he  gave  himself  up  fully  to  his 
high  calling  of  God  in  Jesus  Christ.  In  1867  he  was  licensed  to 
preach.  In  May  of  that  year  his  pastor,  the  Rev.  William  Hem- 
mingway,  preacher-in-charge  of  the  Manning  Circuit,  died.  At  the 
request  of  members  of  the  Circuit,  he  was  appointed  to  fill  out  the 
unexpired  term  of  the  deceased  pastor.  From  this  Circuit  he  went 
up  to  the  South  Carolina  Conference,  which  met  in  Morganton,  N. 
C,  in  December  of  that  year  as  an  applicant  for  admission  on  trial. 
He  was  admitted.  Thenceforward  his  course  was  onward  and  up- 
ward, until  the  Master  said,  "It  is  enough,  come  up  higher." 

He  served  the  following  charges:  Waccamaw  Circuit,  1868-70; 
Lynch's  Creek  Circuit,  1871-72;  Columbia  Circuit,  1873;  Cokesbury 
Circuit,  1874-75;  South  Abbeville,  1876-79;  Pickens  Circuit,  1880- 
83;   Ninety-Six    Circuit,     1884-85:    Bishopville    Circuit,     1886-87; 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches.  131 

Batesburg  Circuit,  1888-90;  Marion  Street  Station,  Columbia, 
S.  C,  1891-94;  Bamberg  Station,  1895-96;  Kingstrce  Station,  1897; 
Spring  Street.  Charleston,  S.  C,  1898-1900. 

He  received  his  appointment  of  1900,  but  he  fell  with  his  armor 
on  at  the  opening  of  the  year. 

He  was  ordained  Deacon  at  Cheraw,  S.  C,  in  1869,  by  Bishop  H. 
H.  Kavanaugh;  Elder  at  Spartanburg,  S.  C,  1871,  by  Bishop  Robert 
Paine. 

Dr.  Elwell  was  an  able  advocate  of  the  truth  in  the  pulpit  and  on 
the  platform.  While  he  was  always  impressive  and  instructive,  at 
times  he  spoke  with  great  emphasis  and  power.  He  especially  rose 
high  in  thought  and  expression  when  missions  or  temperance  was  his 
theme. 

Rutherford  College  conferred  on  him  the  honorary  degree  of  Doc- 
tor of  Divinity  in  1892. 

Looking  at  the  facts  as  they  appear,  we  accord  to  him  the  judg- 
ment that  he  was  no  ordinar}'  man.  He  met  the  varied  demands 
upon  him  with  cheerfulness  and  success. 


132 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


REV.  WM.  A.  FAIREY. 

Rev.  William  A.  Fairey  was  born  in  the  town  of  St.  George's,  on 
May  4,  1872.  He  was  blessed  with  Christian  parents,  who  strove 
to  give  the  boy  correct  ideas  of  religion  and  of  the  Church.  Having 
been  reared  in  such  a  home,  he  was  soon  lead  to  think  of  joining  the 


Church.  He  joined  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church.  South,  under 
the  ministry  of  Rev.  Paul  F.  Kistler,  that  faithful  servant  of  God. 
In  October,  1889,  at  Cypress  Campmeeting,  in  the  Charleston  Dis- 
trict, he  was  deeply  convicted  for  sin  and  was  soundly  converted  to 
God.  His  conversion  was  so  genuine  and  convincing  that  no  doubt 
was  entertained  as  to  its  reality. 

Shortly  after  his  conversion.  Brother  Fairey  felt  divinely  called  to 
preach  the  Gospel  of  Christ.  He  cheerfully  obeyed  the  call,  and, 
recognizing  that  such  a  call  meant  careful  and  thorough  prepara- 
tion, he  sought  by  every  possible  means  to  qualify  himself  for  the 
work. 

He  was  educated  in  the  graded  schools  of  his  native  town,  and 
then  spent  one  year  at  Wofiford  College.  While  a  student  at  college 
he  was  licensed  to  preach.  Soon  after,  he  was  employed  as  junior 
preacher  on  the  Johnsonville  Circuit,  in  the  Florence  District,  with 
Rev.  J.  E.  Rushton  as  preacher  in  charge.  During  the  year  1894 
he  was  employed  as  a  supply  for  the  Hendersonville  Circuit,  in  the 
Charleston  District.     The  following  three  years  were  spent  at  Port 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


133 


Royal.  In  December,  1897,  he  was  admitted  on  trial  into  the  South 
Carolina  Conference,  with  S.  H.  Booth,  J.  M.  Lawson,  D.  A.  Patrick, 
J.  W.  Speake  and  R.  E.  Turnipseed. 

Immediately  after  this  Brother  I'airey  decided  that  it  was  "not 
good  for  man  to  be  alone,"  and  accordingly  took  unto  himself  a  help- 
meet. He  married  Miss  Julia  H.  Rahner,  of  Augusta,  Ga.  They 
have  one  child — Claudius.  At  the  Conference  of  1898  Brother  Fairey 
was  appointed  to  Duncan  Station,  Spartanburg,  which,  at  this 
writing,  he  still  serves. 

Brother  Fairey  is  a  most  promising  young  man.  He  is  a  man  of 
fine  sensibilities,  good  judgment  and  amiable  qualities.  He  is  a  good 
preacher  and  conscientious  pastor,  ever  looking  to  the  highest  and 
best  interests  of  the  people  whom  he  serves. 


REV.  M.  M.  FERGUSON. 

The  subject  of  this  sketch,  Rev.  ;Murdock  M.  Ferguson,  is  of 
Scotch  descent,  his  father,  Air.  Daniel  Ferguson,  having  come  to 
this  country  directly  from  Scotland.  His  mother's  maiden  name  was 
Miss  Marv  Mclver.     He  was  born  July  3,  1826. 


The  early  educational  advantages  of  Brother  Ferguson  were  some- 
what limited,  but  by  a  diligent  use  of  them  he  was  enabled  to  prepare 


134  Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 

himself  to  study,  and  this  is  the  design  of  education.  He  has  been 
a  great  reader  all  his  life,  and  by  means  of  this  has  largely  made  up 
for  the  lack  of  opportunity  in  his  early  days. 

He  was  converted  in  October,  1871,  during  a  protracted  meeting 
held  at  Marion,  S.  C,  by  the  Rev.  R.  R.  Pegues,  of  blessed  memory. 
Just  two  years  after  this  he  received  the  Divine  call  to  preach.  It 
came  suddenly  and  unexpectedly,  but  it  was  clear  and  unmistakable. 
He  had  the  usual  experience — the  struggle  to  throw  off  the  impres- 
sion. But  he  finally  realized  that  it  was  either  go  preach  or  give  up 
his  hope  of  Heaven.  He  was  sorely  tried  at  this  point.  The  giving 
up  of  a  splendid  business  and  the  breaking  up  of  the  habits  of  life 
was  indeed  a  trial.  But  God  was  good,  and  His  precious  promises 
were  realized  in  the  experience  of  our  good  brother.  In  the  brief 
notes  furnished  for  this  sketch  he  says :  "One  thing  I  wish  to  men- 
tion :  In  all  my  itinerant  life  I  never  had  to  pay  board,  and  only  two 
years  I  partially  fed  my  horse." 

In  December,  1874,  Brother  Ferguson  was  admitted  on  trial,  with 
William  H.  Ariail,  J.  C.  Counts,  A.  W.  Jackson,  J.  J.  Neville,  J.  L. 
Stokes,  S.  D.  Vaughan,  W.  W.  Williams  and  O.  N.  Roundtree. 
Since  that  time  he  has  served  as  follows :  Edisto  Circuit,  with  Rev. 
Jacob  L.  Shuford  as  preacher  in  charge,  1875  ;  North  Marlboro  Cir- 
cuit, 1876;  Upper  Edisto  Mission,  1877-80;  North  Marlboro,  1881 ; 
Edisto  Mission,  1886-9;  Loris  Circuit,  1890-2;  Britton's  Neck,  1893. 

Again  the  writer  wishes  to  add  a  few  words  from  the  brief  notes 
furnished  for  this  sketch :  "My  first  two  years  and  my  last  three 
were  perhaps  the  happiest  of  my  itinerant  life.  I  started  out  expect- 
ing results  at  every  service.  I  made  it  a  rule  to  invite  penitents  to 
the  altar  at  every  service,  when  practicable.  Almost  every  time 
there  was  some  one  who  wanted  the  prayers  of  the  Church.  My 
last  three  years  I  adopted  the  same  rule."  Far  more  successful 
would  our  work  be,  if  we  all,  young  and  old,  preached  for  immediate 
results  and  expected  them. 

Since  1893  Brother  Ferguson  has  sustained  the  supernumerary 
relation  to  the  Conference.  During  all  these  years,  both  while  he 
was  in  the  active  ministry  and  since  he  has  sustained  the  super- 
numerary relation,  our  good  brother  has  been  ever  true  to  his  con- 
victions. His  ministry  has  resulted  in  the  salvation  of  many  souls, 
and  in  the  upbuilding  of  the  Church. 

Brother  Ferguson  was  married  on  December  13,  1893,  to  Mrs.  M. 
L.  Jordan. 

"P.  S. — I  ask  the  privilege  of  adding  a  few  words  to  the  above 
sketch  of  a  brother  I  have  highest  cause  to  love,  in  that  when  I  was 
seeking  the  mercy  of  God,  Murdock  Ferguson,  then  a  business  man 
and  working  Christian,  gave  me  his  tender  help,  day  and  night,  until 
I  found  Him  that  taketh  awav  the  sin  of  the  world.     In  my  behalf 


Twentieth  Cextukv  Sketches. 


135 


he  let  business  go,  and  he  counselled  and  taught  and  prayed  for  and 
with  me  until  the  peace  of  God  was  mine.  He  was  my  friend  before : 
since  and  forever  my  heart's  deepest  and  tenderest  gratitude  and  love 
are  his.  John  O.  Willsox." 


REV.  J.  T.  FOWLER. 

Rev.  James  Thomas  Fowler,  son  of  Henry  R.  and  Xancy  A.  Fow- 
ler, was  born  in  Union  County,  S.  C,  Feb.  7,  1871. 

He  was  reared  and  educated  in  his  native  County  under  teachers, 
as  follows :  \V.  B.  Lemmons,  Rev.  J.  D.  Bailey  and  Prof.  E.  R. 


Aycock.  For  several  years  he  was  very  successful  as  teacher  in  the 
common  schools  of  his  County.  When  he  was  about  26  years  of  age 
his  heart  was  won  by  the  winsome,  afifectionate  character  of  INIiss 
Minnie  Bishop,  whom  he  wedded  at  Foster's  Chapel.  April  14, 
1897.     Ruby  Thedus  was  born  unto  them  August  11,  1898. 

He  was  converted  and  joined  the  Church  under  the  preaching  of 
Revs.  D.  P.  Boyd  and  M.  B.  Kelly.  After  his  conversion  he  was 
called  bv  the  Holy  Ghost  to  preach  but  resisted  and  went  back  into 
the  world,  but  was  reclaimed  in  1897  under  the  preaching  of  Rev. 
John  L.  Harley,  and  the  influence  of  this  scribe.  Thereafter  he  was 
impressed  more  than  ever,  if  ]xissil)le,  by  the  Holy  Ghost  of  the  call 


136  Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 

to  preach,  which  he  obeyed  in  1898,  when  he  was  licensed  to  preach. 
During  the  summers  of  1899  and  1900  he  was  remarkably  successful 
in  protracted  meetings  where  sinners  were  convicted  and  mourners 
converted  and  believers  edified. 

He  was  admitted  into  the  South  Carolina  Conference  on  trial  at 
Chester,  Dec.  — ,  1900. 

Brother  Fowler  being  a  man  of  studious  habits  and  close  applica- 
tion, and  having  quick  perception  of  his  Lord's  will,  promises  much 
for  Methodism  and  Christianitv  in  South  Carolina. 


REV.  J.  M.  FRIDY. 

James  Marion  Fridy,  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  was  born  Feb. 
18th,  1855,  in  upper  Richland  County,  in  the  neighborhood  of  old 
Cedar  Creek  Church,  on  Fairfield  Circuit.  He  was  born  of  Christian 
parentage  and  nurtured  in  the  lap  of  devoted  piety.  He  saw  the 
light  and  breathed  the  atmosphere  of  heaven  in  that  home.  The 
quiet  rural  life,  the  morning  and  evening  call  to  family  prayers,  the 
constant  attendance  upon  Sabbath  school  and  services  at  old  Cedar 
Creek  Church  were  potent  factors  in  shaping  the  young  mind  and 
heart. 

His  father  was  that  true  man  of  God  and  the  Church,  Thos.  W. 
Fridy.  His  mother  was  Frances  Kathrine,  daughter  of  Jno.  and 
Nancy  Lever,  two  of  nature's  noblest  productions.  To  this  union 
there  were  born  seven  sons  and  two  daughters.  James  Marion  was 
the  third  son  and  child.  \Mien  the  husband  was  at  the  front  in 
the  civil  strife,  in  defense  of  his  country  and  rights,  the  mother  never 
failed  to  call  her  little  children  together,  morning  and  evening, 
for  prayer. 

Thus  began  the  young  life  of  this  boy,  under  blessed  home  in- 
fluences. 

He  had  the  advantage  of  such  schools  as  the  neighborhood 
afforded.  In  October,  1874,  he  entered  the  preparatory  school  at 
Woft'ord  College,  and  in  October,  1875,  he  matriculated  in  college, 
graduating  with  his  class  in  June,  1879.  He  entered  the  South 
Carolina  Conference  in  December,  1879,  at  the  session  held  in 
Charleston,  the  last  session  of  our  Conference  presided  over  bv 
Bishop  Wightman.  At  the  end  of  one  year  he  was  elected  to 
Deacon's  orders  and  ordained  b}-  Bishop  Wightman  at  his  own 
house  in  Charleston,  Dr.  S.  A.  Weber  assisting. 

There  was  no  Bishop  at  the  Marion  Conference. 

At  the  end  of  this  first  year  he  was  married  to  Miss  Emma  K. 
Rabb,  Dec.  23rd.  1880,  this  union  being  blessed  with  four  sons  and 
four  daughters. 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


137 


He  has  served  on  the  following  charges:  Rock  Hill  Circuit,  1880: 
junior  under  J.  Marion  Boyd,  Conwayboro  Station,  1881-82-83: 
Cainhoy  Circuit,  1884-85;  North  Laurens  Circuit,  1886-87-88-89; 
South  Union  Circuit,  1890-91-92-93;  supernumerary,  1894-95-96-97; 
Cherokee  Circuit,  1898-99;  Enoree  Circuit  and  Clinton,  1900.  For 
seventeen  years  his  work  has  been  in  the  Spartanburg  District. 

Brother  Fridy's  ministry  has  been  attended  with  no  little  success. 
In  common  with  many  other  loyal  ^lethodist  preachers,  he  has  gone 
on  bravely  bearing  life's  burdens,  facing  its  dangers,  and  discharging 
its  duties.  The  Lord  has  placed  His  divine  approval  upon  the  work 
of  our  dear  brother.  Many  who  have  been  led  to  Christ  by  this 
faithful  servant  of  the  Lord  will  gladly  welcome  him  to  the  better 
land. 


REV.  J.  D.  FRIERSON. 

Rev.  Josiah    D.   Frierson,  son  of  Mr.  John   Frierson  and    ^Irs. 
Susannah  \[.  J.  I'rierson,  was  born  November  15.  1857. 

His  education   started   in   the  home  and   was  carried  on   in  the 


schools  of  the  couiUry.  After  this  preparatory  work,  he  spent  one 
year  at  the  Cokesbury  Conference  School  and  one  year  in  tlie  Pre- 
paratory Department  at  \'anderbilt  l'niversit\-.  Xashville.  Tcnn. 


138  Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 

While  Brother  Frierson  was  a  penitent,  seeking  the  salvation  of 
his  soul,  he  felt  the  Divine  call  to  preach.  He  was  happily  con- 
verted, but,  failing  to  accept  the  work  to  which  God  had  called  him, 
he  lost  the  evidence  of  his  acceptance,  never  again  realizing  that  he 
was  a  child  of  God  till  he  consented  to  preach.  This  decision  was 
reached  one  year  after  his  conversion,  and  he  was  licensed  to  preach 
July  2,  1 881.  He  was  received  on  trial  into  the  South  Carolina 
Conference  in  December,  1882.  with  John  W.  Elkins  and  Charles  B. 
Smith.  Doubtless  a  more  faithful  trio  of  Methodist  preachers  never 
entered  any  Conference  on  earth. 

Brother  Frierson  has  served  as  follows :  Campobello  Circuit, 
1883;  junior  preacher  on  Chesterfield  Circuit,  1884;  West  Anderson 
Circuit,  1885;  Fork  Shoals,  1886-7;  Britton's  Neck,  1888;  Loris 
Circuit,  1889-90;  Society  Hill,  1891 ;  Georgetown  Circuit,  1892-3; 
Cartersville  Circuit,  1894;  Jefferson  Circuit,  1895-6;  Bethany,  1897; 
Boiling  Springs,  1898-9;  South  Branchville,  1900-01. 

In  all  of  these  fields  of  labor  our  good  brother  has  had  success, 
notably  so  at  Britton's  Neck.  Here  he  had  most  gracious  revivals, 
resulting  in  about  seventy  conversions  and  forty-five  accessions  to 
the  Church.  He  is  a  faithful  dispenser  of  the  Word,  courageously 
presenting  the  whole  Gospel  and  denouncing  sin  everywhere.  As 
a  pastor,  he  carefully  looks  after  the  interests  of  the  Church. 

On  October  8,  1884,  Brother  Frierson  was  married  to  Miss  Lola 
Craig,  Rev.  S.  A.  Weber,  D.  D.,  officiating.  Of  this  union  seven 
children  have  been  born — Laura  S.,  W.  Duncan,  Minnie,  Ella  A., 
J.  D.,  Jr.,  Fred  Craig  and  Lillie  Lois. 


REV.  GEO.  W.  GATLIN. 

Rev.  Gcorge  Washington  Gatlin,  son  of  John  and  Susan  Gatlin, 
was  born  in  Randolph  County,  N.  C,  October  30,  1840.  After  re- 
ceiving his  primary  training,  he  attended  the  Gold  Hill  Academy, 
under  the  management  of  Prof.  John  Graham,  for  four  years.  He 
then  went  one  year  to  the  same  school  under  Rev.  C.  A.  Pliler,  of  the 
North  Can^lina  Conference.  After  this  he  spent  one  year  at  Cool 
Springs  Academy. 

Young  Gatlin  was  converted  August  12,  1854,  under  the  ministry 
of  Rev.  Paul  F.  Kistler,  who  was  then  serving  the  Concord  Circuit, 
in  North  Carolina.  (The  reader  will  remember  that  for  many  years 
a  huge  part  of  North  Carolina  was  embraced  in  our  Conference.) 
At  the  age  of  sixteen  years  he  was  appointed  class  leader  in  the 
Church  at  Gold  Hill,  with  a  membership  of  two  hundred.  When  he 
was  converted,  the  impression  was  made  upon  him  that  he  would 
have  to  preach.     This  became  so  overpowering  that  he  yielded  and 


TWEXTIKTII    CeXTL'RV   SKETCHES.  I39 


was  licensed  to  preach  in  1865  by  the-  yuaiKrly  Conference  of  the 
Tryon  Street  Church,  Charlotte,  N.  C,  Rev.  R.  P.  Franks  being  the 
Presiding  Elder. 

During  1866,  he  served  as  junior  preacher  on  the  Concord  Circuit 
under  Rev.  James  T.  Kilgo.  In  1867  he  went  to  school.  In  1868 
he  taught  school.  During  the  years  1869-70  he  served  as  supj)lv 
on  York  Circuit.  December,  1870,  he  was  received  on  trial  into  our 
Conference,  J.  S.  Beasley,  George  M.  Boyd  and  E.  Toland  Hodges 
joining  with  him.  He  has  labored  in  the  following  fields  during  the 
years  given:  Richland  Fork  Circuit,  1871  ;  Leesville  Circuit.  1872-3; 
Lexington  Circuit,  1874-5;  Johnsonville  Circuit,  1876-8;  Gourdin's 
and  Sampit  Circuit,  1879;  jNlarion  Circuit,  1880;  Ridgeway  Circuit, 
1881-2;  Lexington  Circuit.  1883;  Lexington  Fork  Circuit,  1884-5; 
West  Wateree  Circuit,  1886-8;  Oakland  Circuit,  1889;  King's  Moun- 
tain Circuit,  1890;  superannuate,  1891-4;  North  Marlboro  Circuit, 
1895-6;  Bayboro  Circuit,  1897;  McClellanville  Circuit,  1898;  Bucks- 
ville  Circuit,  1899;  Waccamaw  Circuit,  1900-1901. 

PJrother  Gatlin  was  married  on  December  5,  1871,  to  ^^liss  M. 
Agnes  Ledingham,  of  Richland  County,  S.  C,  Rev.  Manning  Brown 
performing  the  ceremony.  Of  this  union  three  children  have  been 
born — \\'illiam  Shelton,  Susan  Elizabeth  and  Arthur  Taylor.  The 
Lord  has  blessed  the  labors  of  our  brother,  and  much  good  has  been 
accomplished  by  him. 


REV.  JOHN  H.  GRAVES. 

Rev.  John  Hagan  Graves,  son  of  Mr.  J.  S.  Graves  an<l  Mrs.  M. 
E..  Graves,  was  born  July  11,  1874. 

Having  received  his  primary  training  in  education,  he  entered  the 
Abbeville  High  School,  where  he  was  prepared  for  college.  He  then 
matriculated  at  the  Presbyterian  College,  Clinton,  S.  C.,  where  he 
remained  one  year. 

Brother  Graves  felt  divinely  called  to  preach,  in  1893.  ^^is  pur- 
pose was  to  enter  the  Presbyterian  ministry.  In  1897,  he  became 
fully  persuaded  that  the  creed  of  Methodism  was  more  in  harmony 
with  the  teachings  of  the  Bible,  and  conseq.uently  he  united  with  the 
Methodist  Church.  He  was  licensed  to  pnach  at  Donalds,  S.  C, 
August  28,  1898. 

At  the  session  of  the  South  Carolina  Conference  held  in  Green- 
wood, December,  1898,  Brother  Graves,  with  O.  M.  Abney,  R.  \\'. 
Humphries,  E.  Z.  James.  J.  L.  ]\Iullinix.  J.  E.  Strickland  and  J.  B. 
Weldon,  was  received  on  trial.  He  served  Smithville  Circuit  two 
years,  1899- 1900. 


I40 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


Our  young  friend  is  a  live  and  aggressive  man,  a  good  preacher, 
and  successful  worker.  He  has  a  bright  future  before  him.  May  he 
fullv  realize  the  career  whicn  his  promising  beginning  foretokens. 


REV.  W.  S.  GOODWIN. 

William  Smoak  Goodwin,  son  of  John  Goodwin  and  Mary  F. 
Goodwin  (nee  Smoak).  was  born  near  Smoaks,  Colleton  County, 
S.  C,  October  24,  1865.  His  educational  advantages  were  only 
those  of  the  country  school.     These,  however,  were  by  no  means 


meagre.  From  about  the  year  1880  to  1890,  at  Little  Swamp,  com- 
petent teachers  were  employed  and  a  first-class  school  maintained. 
Young  Goodwin  was  permitted  to  attend  this.  Not  least  among 
these  educational  advantages  was  a  number  of  well  chosen  books  in 
the  old  home — most  of  them  were  read,  and  many  of  them  re-read 
and  digested. 

Another  educational  factor  was  the  opportunity  of  being  reared  on 
A  farm,  under  the  necessity  of  having  to  work  hard  for  a  livelihood. 

Mr.  Goodwin  married,  Jan.  28,  1892,  to  IVliss  Josephine  Dixon,  of 
Colleton  County.  Their  home  is  enlivened  and  brightened  by  four 
children — Carl  Dixon,  aged  seven ;  ^laud  Wilder,  aged  five ;  James 
\Mlliam.  aged  three,  and  Mary  Frances,  aged  one. 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches.  141 

Air.  Goodwin  was  converted  and  joined  the  Churcli  at  about 
twelve  years  old.  durin,iT  a  meeting-  held  at  Little  Swamp  by  Dr. 
Thos.  Raysor.  About  fifteen  }ears  later,  during  a  meeting  held  by 
Dr.  L.  S.  Bellinger  at  the  same  church,  he  felt  definitely  called  to 
preach.  He  was  licensed  in  the  spring  of  1893,  by  the  Quarterly 
Conference  of  the  Hendersonville  Circuit,  R.  X.  Wells,  Presiding 
Elder,  and  S.  S.  Blanchard,  pastor  in  charge.  He  was  admitted  on 
trial  into  the  South  Carolina  Conference  in  December.  1894:  was 
ordained  Deacon  by  Bishop  Cranberry,  at  Abbeville,  S.  C,  in  Decem- 
ber, 1896;  ordained  Elder  by  Bishop  \\  .  W.  Duncan,  at  Green- 
wood, in  December,  1898. 

Air.  Goodwan  was  appointed  to  the  South  Clarendon  Alission  in 
December,  1894.  He  served  only  one  week  here,  and  was  trans- 
ferred to  the  Bucksville  Circuit  for  the  year  1895,  and  was  returned 
for  1896.  His  ministry  there  was  attended  with  much  success. 
Alany  bonds  of  friendship  and  interest  began  in  those  years  that  wall 
last  beyond  this  life.  For  the  years  1897,  1898  and  1899  he  served 
the  North  Alarlboro  Circuit.  During  the  summer  of  1897  the  most 
interesting  revival  of  several  years  swept  over  this  circuit.  At  least 
three  hundred  souls  were  converted,  and  one  hundred  and  thirty 
were  added  to  the  Church.  At  this  writing  he  is  faithfully  serving 
Ridgeway  Circuit. 

Air.  Goodwin's  ministry  is  characterized  by  a  holy  zeal  that  always 
insures  success.  He  looks  after  the  various  interests  of  the  charge 
committed  to  his  care.  His  work  to  date  indicates  a  future  of  great 
usefulness. 


142 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


EEV.  B.  M.  GRIER. 

Rev.  Benjamin  Marion  Grier,  son  of  Rev.  L.  A.  Grier  and  Mrs. 
Sarah  M.  Grier,  was  born  February  23,  1858.  He  had  good  training 
in  the  priniarv  and  preparatory  schools  in  the  country,  and  then 
spent  two  years  at  Wofiford  College.     In  these  years  at  school  and 


college  he  applied  himself  closely  and  by  hard  study  laid  the  foun- 
dation for  future  work. 

From  his  boyhood,  Brother  Grier  felt  that  it  was  his  duty  to 
preach  the  Gospel  of  Christ  Jesus.  In  1881  the  conviction  became 
overwhelming  and  irresistible.  He  yielded  himself  fully  unto  the 
Lord,  dedicating  all  his  ransomed  powers  to  the  service  of  the 
Master.  This  sacrifice  was  accepted  of  the  Lord,  and  success  has 
attended  the 'labors  of  our  excellent  brother  from  that  day  until  this. 
He  is  a  man  of  fine  personal  appearance,  has  a  vigorous  mind,  and 
preaches  with  great  acceptability.  He  is  a  courageous  man,  having 
strong  convictions  and  fearlessly  maintaining  them. 

In  December,  1883,  he  was  received  on  trial  into  the  Conference, 
at  the  session  held  in  Sumter,  S.  C,  his  Conference  class  being  com- 
posed of  James  E.  Grier,  Samuel  J.  Bethea,  D.  Pettus  Boyd,  G. 
Pierce  Watson,  William  W.  Daniel,  George  R.  Whitaker  and  him- 
self. 

He  has  served  as  follows :  Jvmior  preacher  with  Rev.  R.  L.  Duffie 
on  Blythewood  Circuit,  1884;  South  Branchville  Circuit,  1885;  Or- 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


143 


ang-e  Circuit,  1886-8;  Edisto  Circuit,  1889-92;  Branchville  Circuit, 
1893-4;  Brightsville  Circuit,  1895-6;  Clio  Circuit,  1897;  Pacolet 
Mills  Station,  1898;  Hickory  Grove  Circuit,  1899;  Providence  Cir- 
cuit, igoo-igoi.  In  some  of  these  charges  he  has  had  very  great 
success;  in  all  of  them  the  cause  of  the  Lord  has  made  gratifying 
progress. 

Brother  Grier  married  IVIiss  Carrie  I.  Duke,  daughter  of  Capt.  F. 
M.  L.  Duke,  of  Fairfield  County,  S.  C,  Rev.  A.  Coke  Smith,  D.  D., 
performing  the  ceremony.  Of  this  union  six  children  have  been 
born :  Edgar  O.,  O.  Duke,  Lila  F.,  Irene,  Lucile  F.,  and  B.  Marion. 
Of  these,  O.  Duke  and  B.  Marion  are  with  the  Lord.  The  devoted 
parents  are  striving  to  train  the  others  for  the  Lord's  service  here. 


REV.  JAMES  E.  GRIER. 

Rev.  James  E.  Grier,  the  youngest  son  of  Rev.  L.  A.  and  Mrs. 
S.  N.  J.  Grier,  was  born  in  Georgetown  County,  S.  C,  November 
13,  1861.  In  his  thirteenth  year  he  was  happily  converted  and  joined 
the  Methodist  Church.  His  boyhood  days  were  spent  on  the  home 
farm  and  in  the  neighboring  schools. 


Feeling  that  he  was  called  to  preach,  and  desiring  the  best  possible 
preparation  therefor,  he  went  to  W'offord  College,  where  he  spent 
two  years.  His  student  life  was  marked  by  faithfulness  and  dili- 
gence. While  in  college,  he  learned  far  more  than  he  found  in  text 
books. 


144  ,  Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 

He  was  married  to  Miss  Lizzie  McNeill  December  12,  1882,  was 
licensed  to  preach  the  following  August,  and  on  December  12,  1883, 
was  admitted  on  trial  into  the  South  Carolina  Conference. 

He  has  served  the  following  charges:  Bayboro  Circuit,  1884; 
North  Marlboro,  1885-86;  Tradesville,  1887;  Orangeburg  Circuit, 
1888-89-90;  Denmark,  1891-92-93;  St.  Paul  Station,  Greenville, 
1894-95-96.  and  Chester  Station,  1897-98-99-1900. 

While  in  Greenville  he  very  greatly  reduced  the  debt  on  the  church 
property,  and  succeeded  in  building  one  of  the  handsomest  and  most 
convenient  parsonages  in  the  State.  Under  his  ministry  the  Church 
developed  in  every  department. 

The  past  four  years  have  been  the  best  of  his  ministry.  He  and 
the  good  people  of  Chester  have  worked  wonders  in  the  way  of  ma- 
terial improvement.  One  of  the  very  best  churches  in  Southern 
]\Iethodism  has  taken  the  place  of  the  small  brick  church,  and  the 
new  parsonage  hard  by  the  synagogue  is  convenient,  spacious  and 
prett}-. 

Mr.  Grier  is  not  a  flashy  man.  His  character  is  even,  but  by  no 
means  superficial.  He  succeeds.  His  ministry  has  been  fruitful. 
Many  souls  have  been  converted  and  brought  into  the  Church  as  a 
result  of  his  preaching  and  visiting.  He  has  always  been  a  hard  stu- 
dent, his  reading  covering  a  wide  range  of  subjects.  He  believes  in 
books ;  but  he  reads  his  Bible  more  than  any  or  all  other  books. 

His  preaching  is  on  a  high  plane  ;  his  sermons  are  thoroughly  pre- 
pared and  forcefully  delivered. 

He  has  a  true  help  in  his  excellent  wife  and  doubtless  she  has  con- 
tributed much  to  her  hvisband's  success  as  a  preacher. 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


145 


REV.  LEWIS  M.  HAMER. 

Rev.  Lewis  Meyers  Hanier,  son  of  Mr.  John  H.  Hamer  and  Eliz- 
abeth Thomas  Hamer.  was  born  Fel)ruary  27,  1825.  He  was  named 
for  Rev.  Lewis  ]\Ieyers  who  was  a  member  of  the  Conference  in  the 
long  ago. 


As  a  boy,  Brother  Hamer  had  access  to  the  common  schools  which 
he  attended  regularly  until  the  death  of  his  father  in  1842.  After 
this  his  time  was  divided  between  teaching  and  going  to  school  until 
the  year  1846  when  he,  having  studied  law,  was  admitted  to  the  bar 
in  a  class  containing,  besides  himself,  ex-Chancellor  W.  D.  Johnson, 
Donald  Matheson,  Daniel  E.  Crosland,  Col.  E.  B.  C.  Cash,  James 
Norwood,  Col.  Alfred  Martin,  John  C.  Higgins,  and  others.  He 
continued  in  the  practice  for  some  time  and,  no  doubt,  would  have 
made  a  great  reputation  for  himself  in  that  vocation,  but  God  had 
a  nobler  work  for  him. 

He  joined  the  Methodist  Church  in  1849.  Immediately  after  his 
conversion  he  felt  divinely  called  to  preach.  This  impression  deep- 
ened until  it  became  irresistible  and  he  took  steps  at  once  to 
enter  upon  the  work.  He  was  licensed  to  preach  in  1852.  At 
the  session  of  the  Conference  held  in  X'ewberry,  S.  C,  in  Decem- 
ber, 1853,  he  was  received  on  trial.  Since  that  time  he  has 
served  as  follows :  Junior  preacher  on  Marion  Circuit,  with  R.  P. 
Franks,  1854;  junior  preacher  on  Darlington  Circuit,  1855-6; 
10 — S. 


146  Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 

Georgetown  Station,  1857:  Black  Swamp  Circuit,  1858-9;  Allendale 
Circuit,  1 860- 1 ;  Brownsville  Circuit,  1862-3;  Darlington  Circuit, 
1864-6;  Supernumerary,  1867;  located,  1868-1872;  junior  preacher 
on  Bennettsville  Circuit.  1873;  Darlington  Circuit,  1874-7;  Lexing- 
ton Fork,  1878-9;  Shallow  Ford  Circuit,  1880;  Marion  Circuit,  1881. 
At  the  close  of  the  year  1881  our  good  brother  was  so  broken  down 
in  health  that  he  was  compelled  to  ask  for  the  supernumerary  rela- 
tion, which  was  granted.  He  had  hoped  to  regain  his  health  and  re- 
sume active  work,  but  in  this  he  has  been  disappointed,  not  having 
been  able  from  that  day  till  this  to  reenter  the  regular  work.  In 
1882  he  was  placed  on  the  superannuated  list,  which  relation  he  still 
holds,  his  name  worthily  gracing  this  "honor  roll"  of  our  Conference. 

October  7,  1847,  Brother  Hamer  was  married  to  Miss  Elizabeth 
M.  Thomas.  Of  this  union  were  born  Edgar  Philip,  Henry  Bascom, 
Sallie  Thomas,  Mary  Ellen,  Elizabeth  \\^illiams,  Lucy  David, 
Martha  Mouzon,  Tracy  Walsh,  Lewis,  Philip,  William  Thomas, 
Anna  Charlotte  and  John  May.  At  this  writing  only  four  of  the 
children  are  living — two  sons  and  two  daughters. 

Brother  Hamer  was  a  popular  pastor  and  a  helpful  preacher.  He 
made  friends  by  the  score  wherever  he  went,  and  they  gratefully  re- 
member till  this  day  his  labors  among  them.  Many  were  led  to 
Christ  through  his  work.  Gracious  revivals  attended  his  ministry. 
Though  retired  from  the  active  field,  his  influence  is  still  at  work  and 
his  toils  will  continue  to  bear  fruit  when  our  honored  brother  shall 
have  gone  to  his  eternal  reward. 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


M7 


REV.  W.  M.  HARDEN. 

Among  the  faitliful  and  diligent  laborers  in  the  South  Carolina 
Conference  must  be  placed  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  Rev.  William 
Marion  Harden.  He  is  the  son  of  Air.  Martin  Harden  and  Mrs. 
Elizabeth  Harden,  and  was  born  August  the  20th,  1854. 


Brother  Harden  was  converted  when  about  twelve  years  old  in 
Elbert  County,  Georgia,  and  joined  the  Associate  Reformed  Presby- 
terian Church  in  1867.  He  received  his  primary  education  in  the 
common  schools  of  the  State  of  Georgia  and  in  Anderson,  S.  C, 
while  a  member  of  the  above-named  Church.  After  this  he  was  for 
seven  years  vmder  the  ministry  and  tutorage  of  Dr.  W.  L.  Pressley, 
of  Due  West,  S.  C.  During  this  time  he  realized  the  divine  call  to 
preach.  The  call  being  as  clear  and  distinct  as  it  was,  could  not  be 
unheeded  without  sin,  so  he  yielded  himself  fully  unto  the  Lord  and 
began  to  arrange  to  enter  upon  the  great  work  to  which  his  life  has 
ever  since  been  devoted.  He  was  licensed  to  preach,  in  the  Metho- 
dist Episcopal  Church,  South,  in  ]\Iay,  1875,  Rev.  O.  A.  Darby,  D. 
D.  being  the  Presiding  Elder. 

He  joined  the  South  Carolina  Conference  in  December,  1880,  X. 
B.  Clarkson  and  John  W\  Neeley  joining  at  the  same  time.  Since 
his  reception,  he  has  served  the  following  charges  during  the  years 
indicated:  Clinton  Circuit.  1881-2;  South  Union  Circuit,  1883-5; 
North  Laurens  Circuit,  1886;  Loris  Circuit,  1887-8;  Richardsonville 


148 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


Circuit,  1889;  Conway  Circuit,  1890;  Richland  Circuit,  1891 ;  Black- 
ville  Circuit,  1892;  Boiling  Springs  Circuit,  1893;  South  Anderson 
Circuit,  1894;  Greenville  Circuit,  1895;  Pickens  Circuit,  1896-7; 
Lexington  Circuit,  1898-9;  Clyde  Circuit,  1900-1901.  Brother  Har- 
den was  not  only  successful  in  leading  souls  to  Christ  while  serving 
the  above-named  charges,  but  was  blessed  with  material  prosperity 
as  well.  During  his  ministry  the  parsonage  on  the  South  Union 
Circuit  was  finished  and  those  on  the  Loris,  the  Richardsonville,  the 
Richland,  and  the  South  Anderson  Circuits  were  secured.  His 
preaching  has  been  blessed  to  the  salvation  of  many,  the  Lord  own- 
ing the  labors  of  his  servant. 

On  December  7,  1873,  Brother  Harden  was  married  to  Miss  A.  E. 
Stuart,  of  Anderson  County,  S.  C,  who  has  stood  bravely  by  his 
side  during  these  years  of  labor  and  trials.  To  them  the  following 
children  have  been  born :  jNIaud  Letitia,  Alarion  Bell  and  Wyman 
Willson.     The  first,  Maud  Letitia,  died  September  27,  1886. 


REV.  JOHN  LAWTON  HARLEY. 

Rev.  John  L.  Harley  stands  a  living  testimony  to  the  power  of  God's 
grace  to  reach  and  save  one  despite  the  unfavorable  environment  of 


earlv  life,  and  also  to  what  may  be  achieved  by  one  who  has  the 
granite  in  his  nature  in  bringing  himself  up  through  that  grace  to  a 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches.  149 


prepared  and  qualified  Christian  manhood  through  whom  God  can 
speak  His  truth  and  wield  His  power  for  the  blessing  of  humanity. 

He  was  born  in  Orangeburg  County,  near  the  present  town  of 
North,  July  26,  i860.  His  parents,  Jas.  Henry  and  M.  Emily  Har- 
ley,  were  not  members  of  the  Church,  and  his  early  surroundings 
were  whollv  wanting  in  religious  or  educational  influences.  His 
boyhood  and  earlier  young  manhood  were  spent  in  hard  work  on  the 
farm  with  a  month  or  two  at  long  intervals  in  the  then  practically 
worthless  public  schools.  At  the  age  of  fourteen  he  joined  the 
I^Iethodist  Church  at  Boiling  Springs,  but  then  knew  nothing  of  what 
conversion  meant.  Yet,  strange  to  say,  from  earliest  childhood 
whispering  voices  told  him  of  a  life-work  for  him  as  a  preacher  of 
the  Gospel.  He  could  not,  as  he  grew  older,  credit  this  call,  feeling 
that  God  surely  would  not  call  one  in  his  position  and  condition  to 
His  service.  At  nineteen  years  of  age  the  dim  but  constant  impres- 
sions and  whisperings  of  a  life  mission  as  a  minister  of  the  Gospel 
led  him  on  to  a  clear  and  definite  experience  of  saving  grace,  with 
which  experience  came  definite  assurance  of  his  call  to  preach.  He 
realized  that  a  call  to  preach  was  a  call  to  get  ready,  and  went  to  \\  il- 
liston  where  he  worked  in  a  store  for  his  board  while  he  attended 
school  and  was  rapidly  prepared  for  Woflford  College.  He  spent 
two  years  in  Wofford,  making  his  way  by  clubbing  with  three  others 
for  mutual  help  in  the  matter  of  board,  out  of  which  band  grew  the 
present  arrangement  of  the  Wightman  Hall. 

December  15.  1881,  he  was  married  to  ]Miss  Minnie,  only  daughter 
of  Rev.  J.  L.  :\rcGregor,  of  the  South  Carolina  Conference.  The 
library  of  his  wife's  deceased  father  was  placed  at  his  disposal  and 
he  applied  himself  to  its  study.  For  five  years  thereafter  he  taught 
school,  studying  day  and  night  with  such  persistent  determination 
as  belongs  only  to  such  natures  as  his  born  to  conquer  difficulties  m 
achieving  a  cherished  purpose.  At  last,  when  twenty-six  years  of 
age,  October,  1886,  he  was  licensed  to  preach  and  was  admitted  on 
trial  into  the  South  Carolina  Conference  at  Spartanburg.  Novem- 
ber, 1887.  In  the  Conference  course  he  passed  regularly  forward 
in  his  studies,  reaching  full  ordination  at  the  end  of  four  years. 

During  his  thirteen  vears  connection  with  the  Conference,  he  has 
served  King's  Mountain,  1888-89;  Chesterfield,  1890;  Rock  Hill, 
1891  ;  Fort  Alill,  1892-93;  Clifton,  1894-97;  Clinton.  1898-99;  Cum- 
berland, Charleston,  1900,  being  reappointed  to  Cumberland  for 
1901.  In  all  these  charges  he  has  achieved  eminent  success.  Revival 
is  constant  everywhere  he  goes.  he.  as  nearly  as  any.  realizing  in  his 
charges  the  ideal  of  a  revival  all  the  time. 

John  L.  Harley  is  a  strong,  rugged,  manly  soul.  He  has  convic- 
tions and  dares  maintain  them  at  all  hazard.  As  a  champion  for 
prohibition  or  as    waging    war    against    Mormonism,  "ct    id  omne 


150  Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 

genus/'  with  tongue  or  pen,  Harley,  regardless  of  fear  or  favor  of 
men,  may  be  relied  upon  for  yeoman  service.  His  preaching  is  emi- 
nently practical  and  looks  to  immediate  results.  He  binds  the 
hearts  of  those  among  whom  he  labors  to  him  because  of  his  evident 
earnestness  and  sincerity  of  interest  in  their  spiritual  welfare.  His 
ministry  at  Cumberland  the  past  year  has  been  wonderfully  blessed. 
He  has  demonstrated  his  fitness  for  that  arduous  work  by  building 
up  a  congregation  there  as  large  as  any  in  the  city  of  Charleston. 

No  more  useful  man  finds  place  upon  the  South  Carolina  Confer- 
ence roll  and  few  will  have  so  many  stars  in  their  heavenlv  crown  or 
look  upon  so  large  a  garnering  for  the  JNIaster  as  will  he  when  he 
shall  greet  the  Savior. 


REV.  GEO.  T.  HARMON. 

Rev.  Geo.  Thomas  Harmon,  son  of  Rev.  Appleton  G.  and  Mrs. 
Caroline  R.  Harmon,  was  born  April  12,  1850.  As  a  boy,  young  Har- 
mon was  attending  the  best  schools  within  his  reach,  and  was  pre- 
paring for  the  advanced  courses,  when  his  school  life,  like  that  of  so 
many  a  noble  boy,  was  interrupted  by  the  Civil  War.  While  he  was 
not  permitted  to  complete  his  educational  career  and  realize  his 
ideals,  he  did  learn  to  think  and  study,  and  so  has  become  by  con- 
stant application  one  of  the  most  thoughtful  preachers  in  the  South 
Carolina  Conference.  His  sermons  show  deep  thinking  and 
thorough  preparation.  His  preaching  is  such  as  leaves  a  deep  im- 
pression upon  the  minds  and  consciences  of  his  hearers. 

Brother  Harmon  was  converted  in  July,  1868.  He  had  been  im- 
pressed with  a  call  to  preach  from  childhood,  but  did  not  yield  to  it 
until  the  year  of  his  conversion — 1868.  In  November  of  that  year  he 
was  licensed  to  exhort,  and  in  July,  1869,  was  licensed  to  preach, 
Rev.  J.  B.  Traywick  being  his  pastor,  and  Rev.  W.  H.  Fleming  his 
Presiding  Elder.  He  was  admitted  on  trial  at  the  session  held  in 
Cheraw,  S.  C,  in  December,  1869,  his  classmate  being  the  irrepres- 
sible Rev.  Jesse  A.  Clifton,  D.  D.  His  work  has  been  as  follows  : 
Junior  preacher  on  Newberry  Circuit,  with  Rev.  A.  J.  Cauthen,  Sr., 
as  preacher  in  charge,  1870;  Pickensville  Circuit,  1871-2;  Anderson 
Station,  1873;  Florence  and  Liberty  Chapel,  1874-5:  Conway  Sta- 
tion, 1876;  South  Alarlboro  Circuit,  1877-1880;  Chester  Station, 
1881-2;  local  preacher,  1883;  Lewisville  Circuit,  1884;  Laurens  Sta- 
tion, 1885-6;  Richburg  Circuit,  1887-9;  Georges  Station,  1890-1 ; 
Chester  District,  1892-5;  Cokesbury  District,  1896-9;  Buncombe 
Street,  Greenville,  1 900-1901. 

It  will  thus  be  seen  that  Brother  Harmon  has  filled  the  various 
classes   of  appointments   in   the   Conference   circuits,   stations,   dis- 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


151 


tricts — and  has  filled  them  well.  At  this  writino:  he  is  filling  one  of 
our  leading  appointments,  serving  his  second  year  thereon.  He  is 
making  an  excellent  record  wherever  he  labors. 

Brother  Harmon  was  married  on  December  17,  1873,  to  Miss  ]Mar- 
garet  L.  Seibels,  at  the  residence  of  Gen.  Henry  Arthur,  in  Lex- 
ington County,  S.  C.  They  have  four  children :  Lavinia,  born 
August  12,  1876,  at  Conway,  S.  C,  and  married  to  Rev.  Peter  Stokes, 
of  the  South  Carolina  Conference.  April  5,  1900;  Carrie  Lou,  born  at 
Blenheim,  S.  C,  February  19,  1878;  George  Thomas,  born  at  Clio, 
S.  C,  Oct.  31,  1879;  Maggie  Seibels,  born  at  Chester,  S.  C,  Septem- 
ber 14,  1882. 


REV.  SIDI  B.  HARPER. 

Sidi  Browne  Harper,  the  oldest  son  of  Geo.  M.  and  Anna  Browne 
Harper,  of  Anderson,  S.  C,  was  born  Nov.  i6th.  1875.  From  his 
'^arlv  childhood,  he  felt  the  call  to  preach,  but  did  not  fully  determine 
to  enter  the  ministry  until   1891.     He  spent  one  year  at  the  Honea 


Path  High  Sc1uh)1  and  three  at  Asbury  College.  \\'ilmore,  Ky.  His 
school  life  was  characterized  by  a  singular  devotion  to  duty,  and  the 
purity  of  his  moral  character  made  him  a  general  favorite. 


152  Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 

In  1896  he  was  appointed  junior  preacher  at  Buncombe  Street 
Church.  He  joined  the  South  Carohna  Conference  in  December, 
1896,  and  was  ordained  Elder  by  Bishop  Cranberry.  He  was  sent 
to  the  West  End  Church,  Anderson,  S.  C,  which  was  then  a  mission 
with  sixty-seven  members.  For  four  years  he  has  faithfully  and 
acceptably  filled  this  pastorate,  and  his  work  among  the  working- 
class  has  been  wonderfully  successful.  The  chvirch  building  has 
been  enlarged  and  beautified,  the  membership  increased  from  sixty- 
seven  to  two  hundred  and  sixty-five  members,  and  from  a  weak, 
struggling  mission  it  has  grown  into  a  strong,  self-supporting 
church.  Much  of  this  prosperity  is  due  to  the  untiring  efforts  of  the 
pastor. 

At  the  Conference  of  1900,  held  at  Chester,  S.  C,  Bishop  Har- 
gi"Ove  appointed  him  a  student  at  Vanderbilt  University  for  the  pur- 
pose of  taking  a  Theological  course.  Last  year  he  was  appointed 
League  Secretary  for  Greenville  District.  He  is  also  one  of  the 
assistant  Secretaries  of  the  Annual  Conference. 

He  is  a  grand-nephew  of  Rev.  Sidi  H.  Browne,  editor  of  "Chris- 
tian Neighbor,"  and  a  cousin  of  Rev.  H.  B.  Browne,  Presiding 
Elder  of  Orangeburg  District,  South  Carolina  Conference. 


REV.  S.  W.  HENRY. 

The  subject  of  this  sketch.  Rev.  Shala  \\'alter  Henry,  was  born  in 
Anson  County,  N.  C,  February  13,  1871.  He  is  the  son  of  John 
Culpepper  Henry  and  Charlotte  Elizabeth  (Bruner)  Henry. 

He  was  educated  in  the  common  schools  of  the  country  and  at  the 
Anson  Institute,  located  at  Wadesboro,  X.  C.  In  these  schools  he 
made  diligent  use  of  his  opportunities  and  learned  how  to  study,  and 
has  closely  applied  himself  ever  since. 

Being  providentially  led  into  South  Carolina,  he  felt  moved  of 
the  Holy  Spirit  to  applv  for  admission  into  this  Conference.  He 
was  received  on  trial  in  November,  1892,  with  H.  W.  Bays,  from  the 
Western  North  Carolina  Conference,  E.  H.  Beckham,  George  F. 
Clarkson,  J.  L.  Daniel,  R.  M.  DuBose,  Olin  L.  DuRant,  E.  Palmer 
Hutson,  from  the  Presbvterian  Church,  Preston  B.  Ingraham,  John 
N.  Isom,  W.  B.  Justus.  A.  S.  Leslev,  W.  H.  Miller,  E.  K.  Moore,  D. 
Melvin  McLeod,  R.  C.  McRoy,  A.  R.  Phillips.  J.  J.  Stevenson,  R.  W. 
Spigner,  T.  J.  White,  W.  B.  Wharton  and  W.  E.  Wiggins. 

Brother  Henry  has  served  faithfully  and  with  great  acceptability 
the  following  charges:  Fort  Motte  Circuit.  1893-4;  Heath  Springs, 
1895-8;  Antreville.  1899;  Princeton  Circuit,  1900-1901.  Much  suc- 
cess has  attended  our  young  brother  in  his  work.  On  Fort  Motte 
Circuit  he  had  two  new  churches  finished  and  dedicated.     He  also 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches.  153 

started  a  new  church  at  Heath  Springs,  which  was  completed 
shortly  after  his  removal,  under  the  ministry  of  Rev.  D.  A.  Phillips. 

Brother  Henry  is  a  very  energetic  pastor  and  worker.  He  is  kind 
and  considerate,  and  makes  many  strong  friends.  His  work  is  of  the 
abiding  kind,  and  the  people  remember  him  and  his  labors  for  them. 

IJrother  Henry  was  married  to  Miss  ]\lannie  Wolfe,  of  Lexington 
County,  S.  C,  at  the  home  of  her  parents,  Mr.  J.  Archie  Wolfe  and 
Mrs.  Freddie  Wolfe,  on  November  16,  1898,  Rev.  W.  W.  Daniel, 
D.  D.,  officiating.     They  have  one  child — John  Archie. 


REV.  C.  C.  HEEBERT. 

Rev.  Chesley  Carlisle  Herbert,  son  of  Rev.  Thomas  G.  Herbert 
of  the  South  Carolina  Conference,  and  Harriet  Bryce  Herbert,  was 
born.  December  20,  1871. 

Our  young  friend  has  had  the  very  best  educational  advantages. 
After  the  usual  primary  training  he  entered  the  Greenville  Military 
Institute,  remaining  there  from  his  thirteenth  year  till  his  fifteenth. 
Then  he  matriculated  at  the  Wofford  College  Fitting  School,  going 
from  that  into  the  regular  college  classes,  graduating  in  June,  1892. 
During  the  term  of  1892-3  he  was  tutor  in  German  and  English  at 
WoiTord.  From  here  he  went  to  Vanderbilt  University  and  took 
the  theological  course.  Thus  we  see  that  he  is  intellectually  quali- 
fied for  a  life  of  great  usefulness.  The  foundation  is  broad  and 
deep  and  no  doubt  a  suitable  superstructure  of  culture  and  learning 
will  be  erected  thereon.  Or,  to  use  Bishop  Keener 's  forceful  illustra- 
tion, he  took  time  to  thoroughly  grind  the  axe.  No  doubt  the  even- 
ing results  will  abundantly  demonstrate  the  wisdom  in  thus  utilizing 
the  morning  hours. 

Brother  Herbert  was  adniitted  into  the  South  Carolina  Conference 
on  trial  in  December,  1895,  with  John  G.  Beckwith.  George  C.  Leon- 
ard, Benjamin  M.  Robertson,  Henry  Stokes  and  Julius  F.  Way. 

His  charges  have  been  :  Florence  Mission  from  December,  1895,  to 
July,  1897,  when  he  was  removed  to  Johnston  Circuit,  which  had 
been  made  vacant  by  the  election  of  Rev.  R.  E.  Stackhouse  to  a  pro- 
fessorship in  the  Columbia  Female  College.  He  served  this  charge 
till  December,  1898,  when  he  was  appointed  to  Dillon  Station,  where 
at  this  writing,  he  is  having  a  successful  pastorate. 

Brother  Herbert  was  married,  October  20.  1897,  to  ]\Iiss  Ruth 
Marshall  Allen,  of  Florence,  S.  C. 

The  subject  of  this  sketch  is  looked  upon  as  one  of  our  most  pro- 
mising preachers.  He  is  continually  growing  in  favor  with  the  peo- 
ple and  in  ability  as  a  preacher. 


154 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


REV.  THOS.  G.  HERBERT. 

No  man  in  the  South  Carohna  Conference  is  more  highly  honored 
or  more  sincerely  loved  than  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  Rev.  Thomas 
Golbraith  Herbert.  He  was  born  in  Newberry  County,  S.  C,  May 
30,   1830.     He  is  a  son  of  Mr.   Isaac  Herbert  and   Mrs.   Frances 


Worthington  Herbert.  His  father  was  of  Quaker  descent,  and  his 
mother  was  of  a  Baptist  family.  They  both,  however,  became  hearty 
and  devoted  Methodists. 

Brother  Herbert  had  splendid  educational  advantages.  After  the 
customary  training  in  the  country  schools,  he  took  the  full  course 
at  the  Cokesbury  Conference  School.  He  then  spent  two  years  at 
the  old  South  Carolina  College,  during  the  presidencies  of  William 
C.  Preston  and  Dr.  Joseph  H.  Thornwell.  Going  from  the  farm 
to  close  study  in  school  and  college  led  to  a  partial  failure  in  health. 
After  leaving  college,  he  taught  one  year,  but  finding  that  his  health 
did  not  improve,  he  returned  to  the  farm  and  was  restored. 

The  impression  of  a  call  to  the  ministry  gradually  grew  upon  our 
good  friend  and  brother.  Several  years  before  he  yielded  he  had 
premonitions  of  the  coming  call.  He  finally  reached  Paul's  experi- 
ence and  realized  "Woe  is  me,  if  I  preach  not  the  Gospel."  The  call 
was  clear  and  unmistakable,  so  much  so  that  he  has  never  for  a 
moment  doubted  it.  He  served  for  several  years  as  a  local  preacher, 
in  which  capacity  he  accomplished  much  good. 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches.  155 


In  December,  1858,  IJrother  Herbert  was  received  on  trial  into  the 
Conference,  F.  Auld  and  Jas.  C.  Stoll  joining  at  the  same  time.  The 
writer  wishes  to  express  it  as  his  honest  opinion  that  no  more  faith- 
ful trio  ever  entered  any  Conference  on  earth. 

The  subject  of  this  paper  has  labored  as  follows :  Butler  Circuit, 
1859;  Anderson  Circuit,  1860-1  ;  Butler  Circuit,  1862-3;  Abbeville, 
1864-6;  Ninety-Six  Circuit,  1867-70;  Sj^artanburg  District,  1871-4; 
Newberry  Circuit,  1875-8:  Sumter  District,  1879-82;  Greenville  Dis- 
trict, 1883-6;  Spartanburg  District,  1887-90;  Johnston  Circuit, 
1891-4;  Blenheim  Circuit,  1895;  Batesburg  Circuit,  1896-7;  super- 
numerary, 1898-1901.  Thus  we  see  that  he  was  actively  engaged  for 
thirty-nine  years  without  a  break.  The  Lord  put  the  Divine  ap- 
proval upon  the  labors  of  his  consecrated  servant,  granting  him  the 
salvation  of  souls  and  the  prosperity  of  Zion.  He  was  always  loving 
and  sympathetic  in  the  pastoral  work.  As  a  preacher,  he  is  plain 
and  practical,  believing  that  the  best  way  to  preach  is  to  plainly 
present  the  simple  truths  of  the  Gospel,  ^vluch  of  his  exposition  of 
Scri]:»ture  grows  out  of  his  deep  religious  experience.  He  is  a  deeply 
spiritual  man,  and  all  who  come  in  contact  with  him  realize  that  they 
have  been  with  a  man  of  God.  He  leaves  the  impress  of  a  Christian 
character  upon  everv  life  he  touches.  Though  not  now  actively  en- 
gaged, his  life  and  labors  are  still  producing  fruit  to  the  glory  of 
God,  and  will  for  all  time  to  come. 

Brother  Herbert  was  most  fortunate  in  the  selection  of  a  wife. 
He  was  married  April  7,  1853,  to  Miss  Harriet  Smith  Bryce,  daugh- 
ter of  Mr.  Robt.  Bryce.  Sister  Herbert's  mother  was  born  in  Glas- 
gow, Scotland. 

To  Brother  Herbert  and  his  wife  the  following  children  were  born  : 
Harriet  Shand,  Janie  Frances,  Lilly  Young,  Robert  Bryce,  Walter 
Isaac,  Sarah  M..  Thomas  Grigsby,  Chesley  Carlisle,  and  Mary 
Bryce.     The  fourth  child,  Robert  Bryce,  died  in  early  infancy. 

To  the  brief  data  furnished  for  this  sketch  our  honored  brother 
adds  a  footnote  which  the  writer  wishes  to  insert  here :  "Lender  God, 
I  owe  much  to  m\-  good  wife,  who  has  never  failed  me  with  her 
helpful  hands  and  wise  counsels,  and  has  largely  moulded  the  char- 
acter of  our  children,  all  of  whom  are  following  her  godly  ex- 
ample." 


156 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


REV.  T.  GRIGSBY  HERBERT. 

Rev.  Thomas  Grigsby  Herbert,  son  of  Rev.  Thomas  G.  Herbert 
and  Mrs.  H.  S.  Herbert,  was  born  at  Greenwood,  S.  C.,  February 
4,  1869.  The  three  Herbert  boys — WaUer,  Grigsby  and  Chesley — 
have  always  been  looked  upon  as  "model  boys."     With  such  parents 


as  they  are  blessed  with,  and  with  such  a  home  influence  as  they  had 
in  early  life,  it  would  have  been  difficult  for  them  to  have  been  other 
than  good. 

The  educational  advantages  of  the  subject  of  this  sketch  have  been 
the  very  best  obtainable.  He  was  taught  by  his  sisters  until  his 
fourteenth  year,  after  which  he  was  entered  at  the  Greenville  Mili- 
tary Institute,  then  under  the  supervision  of  Capt.  Patrick,  the  father 
of  young  Herbert  then  being  Presiding  Elder  of  the  Greenville  Dis- 
trict. From  there  our  young  friend  went  to  Wofiford  College,  from 
which  institution  he  graduated  in  June,  1890,  receiving  the  degree 
of  A.  B.  Not  yet  satisfied  with  his  intellectual  equipment,  he  en- 
tered the  Theological  Department  of  Vanderbilt  University,  gradu- 
ating with  the  degree  of  B.  D.  in  Jtuie,  1893.  From  his  boyhood 
days,  Brother  Herbert  had  often  been  impressed  that  he  would  be 
called  to  preach.  He  wanted,  however,  to  farm.  It  was  not  until 
after  his  graduation  at  Wofiford  that  he  yielded  to  the  call.  He  was 
licensed  to  preach,  after  examination  by  Rev.  A.  Coke  Smith,  D.  D., 
by  the  Quarterly  Conference  of  Central  Church,  Spartanburg,  June 
6,  1890. 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


0/ 


He  was  admitted  into  the  Conference  on  trial  November,  1893, 
with  L.  L.  Bedenbauj^h,  J-  A.  Campbell,  W.  A.  Massebcau.  R.  E. 
Mood,  G.  E.  Stokes,  J.  B.  Harris  and  Peter  Stokes.  His  first  charge 
was  Sumter  City  Mission,  which  he  served  four  years.  Here  he 
had  very  marked  success.  During^  his  pastorate  a  $400  lot  was  pur- 
chased and  a  neat  little  chapel  built  on  it.  A  Sunday  School  and  a 
Missionary  Society  were  ort^anized.  From  that  place  he  was  sent  to 
Pelzer  Station,  where  he  is  still,  at  this  writing,  successfully 
laboring. 

Brother  Herbert  was  married  on  November  18,  1896,  to  Miss 
Margie  Hill,  daughter  of  the  late  Rev.  S.  J.  Hill,  of  the  South  Caro- 
lina Conference.  To  them  one  child  has  been  born,  but  was  soon 
called  away  to  the  home  beyond. 

No  truer  man  ever  entered  the  Conference  than  he  about  whom  we 
write.     He  is  a  good  preacher  and  pastor,  and  a  lovable  man. 


REV.  WALTER  I.  HERBERT. 

Rev.  Walter  Isaac  Herbert,  son  of  Rev.  Thomas  G.  Herbert  and 
Mrs.  Harriet  Bryce  Herbert,  was  born  April  6,   1864.     Preaching 


,V 


seems  to  lun  in  this  family,  the  honored  father  and  three  of  the  boys 
being  preachers. 

Brother  Herbert's  educational  advantages  have  been  the  verv  best. 


158  Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 

Being  the  son  of  an  itinerant  preacher,  he  had  access  to  the  very  best 
preparatory  school.  His  collegiate  education  was  obtained,  of 
course,  at  Woftord  College,  where  he  graduated,  with  the  A.  B.  de- 
gree, in  June,  1885.  His  college  record  was  a  fine  one.  His  natural 
rocaness  and  amiability  endeared  him  to  all  the  bovs  and  his  Chris- 
tian  deportment  won  the  admiration  of  both  students  and  faculty. 
No  boy  ever  left  Wofiford  College  with  a  cleaner  record  than  Walter 
Herbert.  His  college  class  was  composed  of  himself,  H.  B.  Carlisle, 
James  H.  Carlisle,  Jr.,  Paul  Petty  and  Rev.  A.  W.  Attaway. 

From  his  earliest  days.  Brother  Herbert  felt  that  it  would  be  his 
great  privilege  to  preach  the  Gospel.  It  was  not  definitely  settled, 
however,  till  during  his  college  course,  when  he  fully  realized  that 
it  was  his  privilege  and  duty  to  preach.  On  motion  of  Prof.  F.  C. 
Woodward,  who  was  then  Professor  of  English  at  Wofiford,  Brother 
Herbert  was  recommended  for  license  to  preach  by  the  Church  Con- 
ference of  Central  Church,  Spartanburg,  and  a  few  weeks  after  his 
graduation  he  was  licensed  by  the  Quarterly  Conference,  Rev  S.  B. 
Jones,  D.  D.,  being  the  Presiding  Elder.  In  December,  1885,  he 
joined  the  Conference,  E.  B.  Lovless,  A.  F.  Berry,  E.  O.  W^atson,  J. 
M.  Steadman,  T.  C.  O'Dell,  J.  F.  Anderson,  A.  'm.  Attaway,  T.  C. 
Ligon,  John  Owen,  and  D.  A.  Calhoun  joining  with  him. 

He  has  served  the  following  charges :  City  Mission,  Spartanburg, 
1886  (he  only  remained  here  four  months,  being  then  removed  to 
Cheraw  Station  to  fill  out  the  unexpired  term  of  Rev.  R.  P.  Franks, 
who  had  been  moved  to  Sumter  Station)  ;  Cheraw  Station,  1887-9; 
Union  Station,  1890-1  ;  Laurens  Station,  1892-4;  Florence  Station, 
1895-8;  Newberry  Station,  1899-1901.  While  he  was  stationed  in 
Laurens  a  fine  parsonage,  costing  $1,500,  was  built;  in  Florence  an 
old  Church  debt  was  paid,  and  in  Newberry  he  is  building  a  hand- 
some church,  which  will  cost  $10,000. 

Brother  Herbert  is  a  great  revivalist.  The  Lord  blesses  his  labors 
to  the  salvation  of  scores  of  souls.  He  is  a  man  of  good  common 
sense  and  excellent  business  judgment.  His  deep  piety  impresses 
every  one  he  meets  and  he  is  greatly  loved  by  his  people. 

He  was  married  June  26,  1889,  to  Miss  Constance  T.  Furman,  of 
Greenville,  S.  C.  Drs.  J.  C.  Furman  and  John  O.  Willson  officiating. 
They  have  six  children — Frances  Gardenia,  Thomas  Carlisle,  Harriet 
Bryce,  James  Furman,  Annie  Elizabeth  and  Sarah  Margaret. 


TwEXTiKTH  Century  Sketches. 


159 


REV.  EDWARD  TOLAND  HODGES. 

Edward  Toland  Hodges  was  born  in  Newberry  Co.,  S.  C,  Nov. 
nth,  1847.  Converted  and  joined  the  M.  E.  Church  South,  at  nine- 
teen; was  achnittcd  on  trial  into  the  South  Carohna  Conference  in 
1870. 


In  1876  he  married  Miss  Hattie  Pegues,  daughter  of  Col.  B.  F. 
Pegues,  with  whom  he  lived  happily  until  her  death  in  1877.  Mar- 
ried Miss  Attalanta  Gary,  daughter  of  Dr.  T.  R.  C.ary,  in  1878.  He 
was  sent  as  a  picked  man  to  California  in  1887.  whence  he  returned 
on  account  of  the  failing  health  of  his  wife  in  1889.  She  passed  away 
in  the  fall  of  that  vear.  In  1894  he  married  Miss  Daisy  Carson, 
daughter  of  Capt.  ].  M.  Carson,  who  is  now  his  helpmeet  indeed.  _ 

During  all  these  vears  he  has  served  his  church  faithfully  and  ef- 
ficiently on  circuit, 'station  and  district.  These  are  the  outer  facts, 
but  along  with  these  there  have  been  deep  inner  forces  at  work  m- 
cessantlv,  for.  to  him,  existing  and  laboring  are  not  all  of  life. 

His  father,  Dr.  C.  W.  Hodges,  and  his  mother,  a  sister  of  Rev. 
John  W.  Kellv.  were  strong,  cultured  Christian  characters  and  gave 
iiim  an  earlv  impress  and  momentum  that  have  been  cumulative  in 
their  elYect.  His  father  dying  when  the  boy  was  twelve  years  old, 
and  the  civil  war  coming  on  apace,  the  young  man's  education  was 
technically  cut  otY.  though  really  advanced  by  sudden  responsibdity 
in  the  home  and  on  the  farm. 


i6o  Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


When  converted,  he  made  a  careful  and  independent  study  of  the 
doctrines  and  poHty  of  the  various  churches  and  came  to  the  Metho- 
dist with  an  intelhgent  conviction  that  it  represented  his  own  mental 
and  spiritual  trend. 

As  a  man,  Mr.  Hodges  is  strong  in  moral  and  religious  fibre,  broad 
and  tender  in  sympathy,  keen  and  precise  in  foresight  and  acumen, 
quickly  susceptible  to  currents  and  cross-currents  of  thought  and 
feeling ;  kind  and  affectionate  in  the  home,  gentle  and  affable  in  the 
social  circle,  fervent  and  yet  quiet  in  private  and  public  devotions,  a 
constant  student  of  men  and  things,  a  real  citizen  of  this  very  world, 
alive  to  all  its  interests  and  faithful  to  all  of  its  responsibilities. 

He  has  shown  what  one  can  learn  and  do  without  the  training  of 
the  schools,  for  he  keeps  up  with  modern  thought  and  reads  and 
studies  successfully  the  best  books. 

As  a  preacher,  he  is  fresh  and  strong  and  at  times  powerful. 

His  best  work  has  been  done  on  the  district,  for  he  keeps  in  close 
touch  and  fellowship  with  his  preachers  and  is  full  of  helpful  sug- 
gestions. 

He  realizes,  as  few  are  able  to  do,  that  the  Presiding  Elder  ought 
to  be  a  peripatetic  theological  faculty  as  well  as  a  careful  business 
man  and  rises  to  that  conception  to  a  degree  that  receives  ample  re- 
cognition and  appreciation  from  those  who  know  him  best. 


Twentieth  Cextury  Sketches. 


i6i 


REV.  FRANK  E.  HODGES. 

The  subject  of  this  sketch,  Rev.  Frank  Emory  Hodj^es,  is  one  of 
the  promisini;-  younji;-  men  of  the  Conference.  He  is  the  son  of  Mr. 
W'ilham  Ludlow  Hodges  and  EHzabeth  Ann  Hodges,  and  was  born 
July  5,  1868. 


Young  Hodges  first  received  a  good  training  at  home.  He  then 
attended  the  Cokesbury  Conference  School  for  two  years,  after 
which  he  pursued  a  course  of  study  under  Rev.  G.  Edwin  Stokes, 
who  not  only  gave  the  young  man  thorough  mental  training,  but  left 
the  impress  of  a  noble  character  upon  his  soul  as  well.  Under  these 
educational  inlluenccs  he  has  learned  to  think,  which,  indeed,  is  the 
l)urpose  of  all  school  life. 

brother  Hodges  was  converted  in  a  meeting  conducted  b\-  Rev. 
Chas  H.  Yatman  in  Columbia  during  the  summer  of  1888.  About 
a  year  afterwards  he  felt  called  to  preach,  and,  realizing  that  such 
a  call  involved  the  obligation  to  prepare,  he  at  once  began  the  work 
of  preparation.  Brother  Hodges  served  as  a  local  preacher  for  about 
four  years,  during  which  time  he  was  pastor  of  Princeton  Circuit, 
Cokesbury  District,  for  three  months.  He  also  served  as  pastor  of 
the  Orange  Mills  Chapel,  in  Orangeburg,  for  four  months.  He  was 
admitted  on  trial  at  the  session  of  the  Conference  held  in  Orange- 
burg. December,  1899,  Bishop  Jos.  S.  Key  presiding.  His  Confer- 
ence classmates  are:  Henry  L.  J^ingleton.  John  T.  Macfarlane.  Em- 

II— S 


i62  Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 

mett  F.  Scoggins,  Bob.  G.  Murphy,  Robt.  S.  Truesdale,  and  John  W. 
Bailey.  His  first  year,  1900,  was  spent  on  Parksville  Mission,  where 
he  did  an  excellent  year's  work.  At  the  recent  session,  he  was  sent 
to  Foreston  Circuit,  where  he  has  entered  very  auspiciously  upon  the 
work  of  the  year.  Those  who  know  his  real  worth  have  great  ex- 
pectations of  his  career.     He  will  not  disappoint  them. 


REV.  WM.  H.  HODGES. 

The  subject  of  this  sketch  was  born  in  Brownsville,  Marlboro 
tjcunty,  South  Carolina.  He  was  the  seventh  child  of  Dr.  John  A. 
and  Mrs.  Charlotte  Irby  Hodges.  His  early  educational  advan- 
tages were  the  country  schools  in  his  neighborhood,  and  at  Bennetts- 
ville.  In  1874,  before  he  was  grown,  he  joined  the  Methodist 
Church. 

In  his  early  manhood,  he  was  superintendent  of  the  Sunday  School 
at  Bethlehem,  his  home  Church.  While  thus  serving  the  Church, 
he  recognized  his  call  to  the  ministry  and  was  licensed  to  preach 
by  the  Quarterly  Conference  of  the  Clio  Circuit,  at  Parnassus,  the 
26th  of  August,  1882. 

In  December,  1882,  he  was  received  on  trial  into  the  South  Caro- 
lina Conference,  and  was  appointed  junior  preacher  on  the  Newberry 
Circuit  for  1883.  During  that  year  he  took  his  first  lessons  in  church 
building  by  securing  subscriptions  and  taking  collections  for  Wight- 
man  Chapel,  at  Prosperity. 

Feeling  his  need  of  better  preparation  for  his  life-work,  he  asked 
the  Conference  of  1883  to  release  him  in  order  that  he  might  go  to 
school.  He  spent  1884  and  a  part  of  1885  at  Vanderbilt  University. 
At  the  earnest  request  of  Dr.  Raysor,  Presiding  Elder  of  the  Orange- 
burg District,  he  returned  to  South  Carolina  in  May,  1885,  to  take 
charge  of  the  Branchville  Circuit. 

In  December,  1885,  he  was  ordained  Deacon  by  Bishop  Keener. 
After  Conference  of  that  year  he  entered  Wofford  College. 

In  April,  1886,  he  was  put  in  charge  of  the  Spartanburg  City  Mis- 
sion, which  he  served  in  connection  with  his  college  duties  till  De- 
cember. During  the  year  the  Church  and  community  was  visited 
with  a  most  gracious  revival  of  religion — 150  professing  conversion 
and  100  joining  the  different  Churches  of  the  city. 

In  June,  1887,  he  was  put  in  charge  of  the  Mullins  Circuit,  where 
he  baptized  206  infants  and  received  100  members  into  the  Church 
by  profession  of  faith.  In  December  of  that  year  he  returned  to  his 
studies  at  Wofford  College,  which  he  was  permitted  to  prosecute 
without  interruption  till  he  graduated  in  June,  1889.  Immediately 
after  his  graduation,  he  was  put  in  charge  of  the  Kingstree  Circuit. 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches.  163 


In  December,  1889,  he  was  ag:ain  admitted  on  trial  into  the  South 
Carolina  Conference;  and  was  ordained  Elder  by  Bishop  Keener  and 
re-appointed  to  the  Kingstree  charge,  which  he  served  in  1890  and 
in  1891.  During  his  pastorate  there  the  charge  was  blessed  with 
gracious  revivals,  and  increased  its  assessment  for  pastor  more  than 
forty  per  cent. 

On  the  7th  of  October,  1891,  he  married  :Miss  Alma  Elise  Ken- 
nedy, and  soon  afterward  left  South  Carolina  to  take  charge  of 
the  Methodist  Church  at  Spokane,  Washington,  East  Columbia  Con- 
ference, where  he  had  been  transferred  and  stationed  by  Bishop 
Duncan.  During  his  pastorate  there  more  members  were  received 
by  profession  of  faith  than  had  been  thus  received  during  the  pre- 
ceding four  years.  At  the  end  of  his  first  year  at  Spokane,  because 
of  the  poor  health  of  his  wife,  he  was  transferred  to  the  South 
Carolina  Conference,  and  stationed  at  Greenwood  for  1893.  When 
he  reached  Greenwood,  the  walls  of  the  new  Methodist  Church 
were  up,  but  work  on  the  church  had  been  stopped  for  some  tim^. 
During  the  year,  work  was  recommenced,  and  before  Conference 
the  congregation  worshipped  in  their  new  church,  though  the  church 
was  not  completed  nor  altogether  paid  for.  The  contract  for  a 
new  parsonage  was  also  let  that  year. 

He  served  Cheraw  Station  in  1894,  and  in  1895.  He  went  from 
Cheraw  to  Manning  Station,  where  he  remained  three  years.  A 
new  church  and  parsonage  were  built  during  his  stay  in  ':\Ianning. 
He  was  appointed  to  Gaflfney  Station  for  1899,  and  again  for  1900. 
A  new  parsonage  was  built  there  also.  A  commodious  brick  church, 
stone  trimmed,  is  in  course  of  construction  there,  and  it  is  hoped  that 
it  will  be  completed  ere  the  dawn  of  the  Twentieth  Century. 

He  is  the  father  of  three  children — Julia  Pledger,  who  went  to 
Heaven  May  12,  1894;  William  Henry  and  John  Kennedy,  who  still 
bless  the  parsonage  home. 

Mr.  Hodges  is  a  hard  student,  a  good  preacher  and  a  diligent 
pastor. 


164 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


REV.  E.  A.  HOLLER. 

Adlai  Ellwood  Holler,  eldest  living  son  of  Adlai  and  Martha 
Miller  Holler,  was  born  July  4th,  1871,  in  Catawba  County,  N.  C. 
His  parents,  both  of  whom  are  still  living,  are  natives  of  North 
Carolina,  though  his  mother  was  reared  in  Tennessee. 


Thev  moved 


to  Rock  Hill,  S.  C,  their  present  home,  when  the  subject  of  this 
sketch  was  one  year  old.  On  both  sides  of  the  house  he  is  of  sturdy 
German-Lutheran  ancestry.  His  early  education  was  mostly 
acquired  at  old  Ebenezer  Academy,  three  miles  from  Rock  Hill. 
When  very  young,  he  entered  Concordia  College,  of  Conover,  N.  C. 
(since  moved  to  Hickory).  Being  too  staunch  a  follower  of  Wesley 
to  feel  at  home  in  a  Lutheran  institution,  our  young  friend  soon  left 
Concordia  and  went  to  Eastman  Business  college,  in  1888.  On 
graduating  from  there,  he  returned  to  Rock  Hill  and  for  several 
years  was  successfully  engaged  in  business. 

Events  which  befall  God's  children  do  not  come  by  chance.  In 
the  providence  of  God,  this  young  man,  who  had  early  felt  a  call  to 
the  ministry,  but  hushed  it,  was  summoned  to  the  bedside  of  a  brother 
critically  ill  at  Wofiford  College.  There,  feeling  the  need  of  Divine 
assistance,  and  realizing  his  inability  to  pray  acceptably  until  the 
long  unheeded  call  be  answered,  he  surrendered  all  to  Christ,  dedi- 
cating his  life  from  that  time  to  the  service  of  his  Lord  and  Master. 
Coming  in  contact  with  Dr.  Carlisle  and  getting  an  insight  into  the 


Twentieth  Cextlrv  Sketches.  165 

inner  life  at  Wofiford,  his  soul  was  kindled  with  a  desire  for  and 
determination  to  have  a  collegiate  education.  Arrangino^  his  busi- 
ness with  that  end  in  view,  he  returned  the  following  fall  and 
matriculated  at  Wofford.  At  the  end  of  four  years  he  graduated 
from  that  institution  in  June.  1896.  His  first  work  after  leaving 
college  was  in  the  school  room. 

While  teaching  at  Waterloo,  S.  C,  he  was  married  to  Miss  May 
Corn  well,  of  Chester  County,  Dec.  23,  1896.  Two  little  boys — Adlai 
Cornwell  and  James  Carlisle — are  the  result  of  this  union. 

Rev.  A.  E.  Holler's  first  work  was  Greenville  City  Mission, 
where  he  served  several  months  as  supply  in  the  fall  of  1897,  previous 
to  the  meeting  of  Conference  at  which  he  was  admitted  on  trial.  His 
first  appointment  was  to  Johnson ville  Circuit.  1898.  The  past  two 
years  his  appointment  has  been  Rome  Circuit. 

,  Mr.  Holler  is  one  of  our  most  promising  young  preachers. 
Equipped  in  head  and  heart  for  efficiently  preaching  the  Gospel  of 
Christ,  he  has  entered  upon  his  work  with  foretokens  of  abundant 
success.  Such  a  man  is  bound  to  succeed.  Added  to  his  other 
qualifications,  he  has  a  noble,  sweet-spirited  wife,  who  heroically 
faces  life's  problems  with  her  husband.  Coming  ages  will  feel  the 
influences  of  the  lives  of  these  devoted  servants  of  Christ. 


1 66 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


REV.  R.  L.  HOLROYD. 

Rev.  Robert  Lee  Holroyd  was  born  in  Mercer  County,  West  Vir- 
ginia, May  23,  1863.  As  indicated  by  the  name,  he  is  of  Enghsh 
descent,  his  father  coming  directly  from  England  to  this  country. 

In  early  childhood  he  had  access  to  the  usual  common  schools  of 


the  community,  of  which  he  made  good  use.  He  was  then  placed 
in  the  school  at  Athens,  West  \'irginia,  where  he  received  a  thorough 
training.  After  leaving  school.  Brother  Holroyd  taught  for  quite  a 
while,  giving  great  satisfaction  to  his  patrons. 

On  June  30,  1886,  he  was  married  to  Miss  Lula  E.  Wiggins, 
daughter  of  Rev.  Casper  E.  Wiggins,  who  at  this  writing  is  an 
honored  member  of  the  South  Carolina  Conference.  Of  this  union 
five  boys  have  been  born — Emory,  Raymond,  Charles  Eugene,  Wil- 
liam Casper  and  Lemuel  Grier. 

Brother  Holroyd  was  admitted  on  trial  into  the  South  Carolina 
Conference  in  December,  1887,  with  Alston  B.  Earle,  Wesley  E. 
Barre,  James  W.  Kilgo,  Watson  B.  Duncan,  John  L.  Harley,  Robt. 
A.  Yongue,  Samuel  T.  Blackman,  J.  P.  Attaway,  W.  L.  Wait  and 
James  E.  Mahaffey. 

He  has  served  the  following  charges:  Berkeley  Circuit,  1888; 
North  George's  Circuit,  1889;  Lexington  Fork  Circuit,  1890-2; 
Black  Swamp  Circuit,  1893-6;  Hampton  Circuit,  1897-9;  Bethel 
and  Glendale,  1900. 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches.  167 


Brother  Holroyd  has  been  faithful  and  diho:ent  in  all  these  charg^es, 
and  in  some  of  them  eminently  successful.  At  Hampton  his  min- 
istry was  attended  with  great  material  prosperity,  a  neat  and  com- 
modious parsonage  having  been  built  during  his  pastorate  there. 

tie  is  a  systematic  worker,  always  having  facts  and  figures  at  hand 
when  needed. 

Brother  Holrovd  is  a  good  preacher.  His  style  is  conversational 
and  practical.  He  makes  no  pretentions  to  oratory,  but  tries  to  talk 
good,  hard  sense  to  the  people,  and  he  does  the  hearers  permanent 
good. 


REV.  M.  W.  HOOK. 

Maxcy  Wilbur  Hook  joined  the  South  Carolina  Conference  at 
Orangeburg,  December,  1886.  His  first  charge  has  thirteen  appoint- 
ments and  was  enough  to  dam])en  the  ardor  of  any,  save  one  who 


was  inspired  by  the  Divine  fervor.  On  this  charge — Eflfingham — 
he  remained  two  years  and  left  indelible  impress  upon  the  minds 
and  hearts  of  the  people  generally.  Evidence  of  the  worth,  ability 
and  character  of  the  man  is  further  seen  in  that  since  leaving  his 
first  charge  he  has  remainetl  four  years  on  all  others  to  which  he 
has  been  appointed,  viz :    Ridgeway  Circuit.  I'airfield  Circuit,  Lower 


i68  TwEXTiETH  Century  Sketches. 

St.  Matthews  Circviit.  And  the  people  on  any  one  of  these  charges 
would  have  rejoiced  to  have  had  him  continuously  returned  to 
them.  At  the  last  Conference  he  was  appointed  to  Bamberg  Station, 
and  has  already  won  his  way  to  the  hearts  of  the  Bamberg  people, 
and  is  moving  steadily  forward  in  his  work  there. 

He  is  a  preacher  of  great  power.  Progressive  without  being 
radical  in  thought ;  fearless  in  presentation  of  practical  truth  ;  and 
possessed  of  a  rare  and  matchless  eloquence  born  of  deep  convic- 
tion and  flowing  from  a  heart  glowing  with  the  passion  of 
service,  the  people  are  delighted  to  hear  and  are  wonderfully  in- 
fluenced by  his  words.  As  a  man  he  stands  foursquare  to  all  the 
winds  that  blow.  His  innate  manliness,  inherent  gentlemanliness, 
and  genuine  sympath}'  and  interest  make  all  who  grasp  his  strong 
hand  feel  "here  is  a  true  man — one  whom  all  can  trust  and  upon 
whom  any  may  safely  rel}." 

The  only  child  of  consecrated  parents,  E.  E.  and  E.  J.  Hook, 
no  pains  was  spared  in  his  training.  That  training "  was  ideal. 
Training  of  honest,  faithful  work  in  the  fields  developing  great 
physical  strength  and  an  independent  manliness.  Training  in  full 
touch  and  sympathy  with  the  heart  of  nature,  in  an  atmosphere  of 
culture  and  love,  yet  without  hot  house  or  any  artificial  influences. 
Training  in  the  country  schools  by  an  aunt  thoroughly  equipped  for 
her  work  and  one  of  the  noble  women  of  the  earth,  by.  such 
apostles  of  education  as  Jeremiah  McCartha,  and  for  some  five  years, 
at  least,  under  Rev.  J.  Emory  Watson,  who  took  special  delight  and 
pride  in  his  pupil  and  gave  him  the  benefit  of  four  years  more 
than  the  ordinary  course  of  teaching  in  the  schools.  Through  all 
this  he  came  well  prepared  and  unspoilt  to  his  Divinely  called 
work.  In  it  he  has  gone  forward  as  a  student  and  faithful  worker 
and  is  today  the  peer  of  any  as  a  preacher  of  power  and  a  pastor  of 
influence  upon  the  lives  of  men. 

He  was  married  to  Miss  Lena  Johnston,  of  Abbeville  County, 
September  9,  1891,  who  by  her  culture  and  true  womanliness  has 
been  in  every  way  the  true  helper  and  companion  to  her  husband. 
Four  children — a  son  and  three  daughters — bless  their  home.  For 
twelve  years  his  mother  has  graced  their  home  by  her  presence.  And 
all  have  made  it  a  place  of  restfulness  and  encouragement  to  the 
many  friends  who  come  to  gather  there  fresh  inspiration. 


Tw  i:.\TiKrii  Century  Sketches. 


169 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  HUMBERT,  A.  M. 

Rev.  John  W.  Humbcrl  is  one  of  the  veterans  of  the  South  Caro- 
lina Conference,  liavinj^-  j(jined  on  probation  at  tlie  Greenville  Con- 
ference, Bishop  John  Early  presiding,  in  December,  1859.  From 
then  until  now  he  has  been  constantlv  at  work.     He  has  never  missed 


a  Conference— annual,  district.  (|uarterly — where  he  was  officially 
due,  all  these  forty  years  and  more.  He  is  an  earnest  and  strong 
preacher  and  a  symjjathetic  and  industrious  pastor.  He  never  neg- 
lects his  work — never.  He  commenced  his  ministry  among  the 
mountains  of  Western  North  Carolina  (Rutherford  Circuit),  and  is 
now  (1900)  serving  a  charge  in  Darlington  County.  His  ministry 
has  been  given  to  stations  and  circuits — 16  years  on  stations  and  24 
years  on  circuits — and  has  been  distributed  from  the  mountains  to  the 
seacoast,  and  from  the  Savannah  to  the  Pee  Dee  section  of  the  State. 
He  has  had  success  (at  some  of  his  appointments,  very  great  success) 
as  a  soul-winner,  e.  g.,  on  the  Chester  Circuit  (1873-4).  where  a 
wonderful  revival  resulted  from  his  labors,  in  which  tliere  were  250 
accessions  to  the  Methodist  Church,  and  quite  a  number  to  other 
Churches  of  the  commimity. 

John  Humbert  is  what  John  Wesley  said,  as  highest  ])ossible 
compliment  of  John  IHetcher — a  "man  of  God."  Like  Xathaniel,  he 
is  "an  Israelite  indeed,  in  whum  there  is  no  guile."  He  has  strong 
convictions   of   dutv    and    follows    them    out    with    the   utmost   con- 


170  Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


scienliotisness.  He  moves  along  quietly  in  the  even  tenor  of  his  way, 
and  his  life  and  work  beautifully  agree  and  uniformly  co-operate 
in  useful  service  wherever  he  lives  and  labors.  He  graduated  at 
Wofiford  College  in  1859,  and  shared  the  second  honor  of  his  class 
with  Dr.  A.  J.  Stokes.  Five  of  this  class  joined  the  South  Caro- 
lina Conference— Humbert,  Stafford,  Stokes  (A.  J.),  Weaver  and 
W'eber — the  largest  class  Wofford  has  ever  sent  into  the  Conference. 

Mr.  Humbert  was  ordained  Deacon  by  Bishop  Andrew,  at  Chester, 
in  1861 ;  and  Elder  by  Bishop  Pierce,  at  Sumter,  in  1863. 

He  was  born  June  10.  1835,  near  Knoxville,  Tenn.,  whither  his 
parents  removed  from  South  Carolina  a  short  time  after  their  mar- 
riage. His  parents  (Rev.  John  Girond  Humbert  and  Mary  E. 
Guinn)  were  natives  of  Beaufort,  S.  C.  His  forefather  (David 
Peter  Humbert),  a  Huguenot,  came  from  Genoa,  Italy,  in  1738,  and 
received  a  grant  of  land  from  the  British  government  in  Beaufort 
District  (now  county),  S.  C. 

•  He  was  most  congenially  and  suitably  married  in  October,  1865, 
to  Mrs.  M.  M.  D'Oyley,  daughter  of  the  late  Gen.  H.  H.  Kinard. 
From  the  time  of  their  marriage,  Mrs.  Humbert  has  been  his  right 
hand,  and  has  ever  proved  in  his  home  and  in  his  various  fields  what 
the  first  woman  was  divinely  intended  to  be  to  the  first  man:  "an 
helpmeet  for  him."  Her  work  as  Corresponding  Secretary  of  the 
Woman's  Foreign  Missionary  Society  from  its  start  in  South  Caro- 
lina, in  1878,  is  read  and  known  of  all,  and  is  most  gratefully  appre- 
ciated by  the  Church.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Humbert  are  moving  on  grace- 
fully together,  doing  their  work  in  God's  fear  and  for  His  glory. 
We  feel  moved  to  quote  as  we  close  from  a  familiar  piece  from 
Bobbie  Burns : 


John  Anderson,  my  Jo.,  John, 

When  we  were  first  acquent. 
Your  locks  were  like  the  raven. 

Your  bonnie  brow  was  brent; 
But  now  your  brow  is  held.  John, 

Your  locks  are  like  the  snow; 
But   blessings  on   your  frosty  pow, 

John  Anderson,  my  Jo. 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


171 


REV.  EDWARD  PALMER  HTJTSON. 

The  Rev.  Edward  Palmer  Hutson  comes  from  a  long  line  of  min- 
isterial ancestry.  From  the  landing  of  the  ship  "Fortune,"  which  fol- 
lowed the  "Mayflower"  in  1621,  there  is  an  unbroken  line  of  minis- 
ters on  his  mother's  side.    On  his  father's  side  the  records  both  sec- 


ular and  religions  are  excellent,  also.  William  Hutson  of  the  Inns 
of  Court,  London,  a  graduate  of  Oxford,  came  to  this  country  in  the 
seventeenth  century,  was  converted  under  George  Whitfield  and  be- 
came one  of  the  first  pastors  of  the  Old  Circular  Church  of  Charles- 
ton, S.  C.  His  son,  Richard,  was  the  first  Chancellor  of  the  State  and 
was  one  of  the  distinguished  prisoners  of  the  British  in  St.  Augus- 
tine. Through  the  marriage  of  Haynes  (Isaac  the  Martyr),  and 
Barnwells  to  the  daughter  of  the  old  parson,  the  subject  of  this 
sketch  becomes  related  to  their  descendents. 

Brother  Hutson  is  the  son  of  Isaac  N.  and  Sarah  E.  Hutson  (nee 
Palmer)  and  was  born  November  16,  1859.  He  was  carefully 
trained  by  his  father,  a  graduate  of  the  South  Carolina  College.  He 
was  educated  for  and  entered  the  bar  in  1881.  He  practised  law  with 
his  father  for  five  years.  He  early  felt  a  call  to  the  ministry,  but  re- 
sisted it  until  1885  v.-hen  the  conviction  became  imperative.  This 
was  under  the  preaching  of  the  Rev.  J.  L.  Tillman.  He  studied  the- 
ology under  the  direction  of  his  maternal  uncle.  Dr.  B.  M.  Palmer,  of 
New   Orleans,   was   licensed   1)\    the   Charleston   Presbytery  of  the 


172  Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


South  Carolina  Synod,  October,  1886,  ordained  to  the  full  work  of 
the  ministry  by  the  same  Presbytery  April,  1888,  and  preached  in 
South  Carolina  Synod  until  November,  1892,  when  not  being  able 
to  subscribe  to  the  doctrines  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  he  entered 
the  South  Carolina  Conference  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church, 
South,  November  30th.  1892.  From  1887  to  1892  the  following  were 
his  charges :  \\'alterboro.  Cheraw,  Evangelist  of  the  Charleston  and 
Pee  Dee  Presbyteries. 

Since  he  has  been  a  member  of  the  Conference,  his  charges  have 
been:  1893,  Seneca  Circuit;  1894,  Easley  and  Bethesda;  1895-6, 
Providence;  1897-8,  Richburg;  1899,  Orangeburg  Circuit;  1900, 
Graniteville  Station. 

April  5th,  1853,  he  married  Aliss  Lillian  T.  Glen,  a  lineal  descend- 
ant of  James  Glen,  one  of  the  Colonial  Governors  of  South  Carolina. 
Three  children  were  the  fruit  of  this  union.  Mary,  Emily  and  Gladys. 

Brother  Hutson  is  an  earnest  preacher  and  a  faithful  and  devoted 
pastor.  He  is  untiring  in  his  labors  and  rejoices  over  many  seals  to 
his  ministrv.  As  a  man  he  is  friendly  and  companionable.  As  a 
Christian  he  lives  by  the  Word  and  prayer. 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


1/3 


REV.  L.  L.  INABINET. 

Rev.  Levi  Labamkr  Inalnnct,  son  of  Rev.  Levi  Lee  Inabinet  and 
:Mrs.  Marcella  Ann  Inabinet,  was  born  in  Orangeburg  County,  S.  C, 

]March  22,  1863. 

Young  Inabinet's  early  education  was  somewbat  interrupted  by 


^ 


the  death  of  his  father,  but  he  availed  himself  of  such  opportunities 
as  the  common  schools  afforded.  After  he  grew  up  to  young  man- 
hood he  attended  the  Sheridan  Classical  School  at  Orangeburg,  S.  C. 

In  early  childhood  he  felt  that  some  day  he  woxdd  be  called  of 
God  to  preach  the  Gospel.  As  he  grew  in  years  the  impression  deep- 
ened until  it  became  irresistible.  Having  yielded  to  the  Divine  call 
and  having  decided  to  apply  for  admission  into  the  South  Carolina 
Conference,  he  went  to  Leesville  College  and  took  a  course  there  in 
order  that  he  might  be  better  prepared  for  the  great  work. 

He  was  admitted  on  trial  into  the  Conference  during  the  session 
of  the  Conference  held  in  Rock  Hill,  December,  1895.  John  G. 
Beckwith,  Chesley  C.  Herbert,  George  C.  Leonard,  Benjamin  M. 
Robertson,  Henry  Stokes  and  Julius  V.  Way  joined  at  the  same 
time. 

On  September  15,  1896.  Brother  Inabinet  was  married  to  Miss 
IMary  Caroline  Kelly,  daughter  of  Mr.  Asbury  E.  and  ^Irs.  Margaret 
Annie  Kelly,  of  Pickens,  S.  C.  Of  this  union  two  children  were  born 
— Asbury  Vaughan  and  ^^larcclla  Annie.     This  wife  died  October 


174  Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 

19,  1899.     He  was  married  again  on  October  23,  1900,  to  Miss  Ida 
Earle  Kelly,  sister  of  his  first  wife. 

Brother  Inabinet  has  served  as  follows :  North  Pickens  Circuit, 
1896-7;  Townville  Circuit,  1898-99;  West  Pickens  Circuit,  1900; 
Starr  and  Iva  Circuit,  1901.  Our  good  brother  is  faithfully  doing 
the  work  of  a  Methodist  itinerant  and  the  Lord  is  blessing  his 
labors.  He  preaches  with  effectiveness  and  is  helpful  in  pastoral 
ministrations. 


REV.  J.  N.  ISOM. 

Rev.  John  Newton  Isom,  son  of  Mr.  James  Isom  and  Mrs.  Eliza- 
beth Isom,  was  born  in  York  County,  S.  C,  April  17,  1858.  In  early 
boyhood  he  was  converted  and  joined  the  Presbyterian  Church  at 
Bethesda  Church,  under  the  ministry  of  Rev.  J.  Lowrie  Wilson. 

After  reaching  mature  years  he  was  converted  to  Methodism 
under  the  preaching  and  influence  of  Rev.  J.  Marion  Boyd,  who 
was  for  many  years  one  of  the  most  prominent  members  of  the 
South  Carolina  Conference. 

Brother  Isom's  educational  advantages  were  such  as  the  common 
and  high  schools  of  his  native  county  afforded.  He  made  diligent 
use  of  these  and  has  been  studying  ever  since. 

He  was  received  on  trial  into  the  Conference  in  November,  1892, 
with  E.  H.  Beckham,  George  F.  Clarkson,  J.  L.  Daniel,  R.  M. 
DuBose,  O.  L.  DuRant,  S.  W.  Henrv,  E.  P.  Hutson,  P.  B.  Ingraham, 
W.  B.  Justus,  A.  S.  Leslev,  W.  H.  Miller,  E.  K.  Moore,  D.  M. 
McLeod,  R.  C.  McRoy,  A.  R.  Phillips,  J.  J.  Stevenson,  R.  W. 
Spigner,  T.  J.  White,  W.  B.  Wharton,  and  W.  E.  Wiggins.  He  has 
served  the  following  charges:  East  Chester  Circuit,  1893-4;  Ches- 
terfield Circuit,  1895-6;  Kelton  Circuit,  1897-1900;  Cherokee  Circuit, 
1 90 1.  Before  joining  he  was  employed  as  a  supply  on  North  Rock 
Hill  Circuit,  1 890-1. 

He  has  been  very  successful  in  his  work,  having  built  up  the 
charges,  both  materially  and  spiritually.  He  built  two  Churches  on 
the  North  Rock  Hill  Circuit,  a  church  and  a  parsonage  on  East 
Chester  and  planned  for  similar  work  on  the  Chesterfield  charge. 
His  preaching  has  telling  effect  upon  his  hearers  and  many  souls 
have  been  blessed  through  his  ministry. 

In  1875  Brother  Isom  was  married  to  Miss  Sarah  Paulina  Kidd, 
daughter  of  Havilah  and  Frances  Kidd,  who  makes  him  a  delightful 
companion  and  efficient  co-laborer.     The  following  are  their  chil-. 
dren :     Minnie   Irene,   Margaret  Addie,   Bishop  Walker,   William 
Televin,  Bessie  May,  Olin  Glenn,  and  John  Wesley. 


Twentieth  Cextlrv  Sketches. 


^/o 


REV.  A.  W.  JACKSON. 

The  subject  of  this  paper  is  one  of  the  "Old  Guard,"  and  worthily 
does  he  grace  this  "honor  roll"  of  the  Conference.  He  was  born  in 
Roberson  County,  X.  C,  February  4,  1836.  During  the  infancy 
of  our  friend,  his  parents  moved  to  Marion  County,  S.  C,  and  in  the 


upper  part  of  this  noble  county  he  was  reared  and  educated.  His 
educational  advantages  were  limited  to  the  schools  of  the  country, 
but  by  a  faithful  use  of  these  he  learned  how  to  study,  and  by  close 
application  he  became  a  cultured  man. 

Brother  Jackson  was  converted  under  the  ministry  of  Rev.  William 

C.  Power,  of  the  South  Carolina  Conference.  He  was  received  on 
trial  during  the  session  of  the  Conference  held  at  Greenville,  S.  C, 
in  December,  1874,  Bishop  Enoch  M.  Marvin  i^residing.  William  H. 
Ariail,  J.  C.  Counts,  M.  M.  Ferguson,  J.  J.  Neville.  J.  L.  Stokes.  S. 

D.  Vaughan,  W.  W.  Williams  and  O.  X.  Rountree  being  received  at 
the  same  session.  Of  this  class.  Ariail.  Counts,  Stokes.  \^aughan 
and  Rountree  are  on  the  effective  list ;  the  others,  being  disabled,  are 
at  present  on  the  non-effective  list. 

Brother  Jackson  has  served  as  follows :  Keowee  Mission,  Central 
Circuit,  Greenville  Circuit,  Johnsonville  Circuit.  Lower  Darlington 
Circuit,  Bucksville  Station,  Timmonsville  Circuit.  Lake  City  Circuit, 
Johnsonville  Circuit  (second  pastorate).  Then  for  three  years  he 
was  on  the  supernumerary  list.     At  the  session  of  the  Conference 


176  Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


held  in  Sumter,  S.  C,  in  1893,  he  was  placed  on  the  superannuate 
list,  which  relation  he  still  holds. 

Among  all  the  blessings  which  our  Heavenly  Father  has  bestowed 
upon  Brother  Jackson,  not  the  least,  by  far,  was  a  good  wife.  Per- 
haps no  man  was  ever  more  greatly  blessed  in  this  respect  than  he. 
In  all  the  great  trials  of  his  life  she  has  been  a  true  helper  and  com- 
forter. She  was  Miss  Indiana  H.  Flowers,  a  descendant  of  one  of 
the  best  families  of  Marion  County.  They  were  married  May  6, 
1855,  and  have  five  children— Rev.  Preston  B.  (now  a  prominent 
minister  in  the  Congregationalist  Church).  Orren  Augustus,  Mrs. 
Lilia  Eva  Carraway,  Anderson  W.  and  Rufus  Bennett. 

As  a  pastor,  our  good  brother  was  tender  and  helpful ;  as  a 
preacher,  plain  and  practical ;  as  a  man.  he  is  true  and  trusty.  His 
active  itinerant  career  is  over,  but  in  his  own  quiet  way  and  retired 
sphere  he  still  serves  God  and  humanity. 


REV.  E.  Z.  JAMES. 

Rev.  Ethan  Zula  James  w^as  born  December  23,  1871.  He  is  the 
son  of  Rev.  T.  E.  James  and  Millery  Jane  James.  Brother  James 
comes  of  good  Methodist  stock,  his  father  being  the  son  of  Rev. 


Samuel  W.  James,  who  was  for  many  years  a  faithful  local  preacher 
in  the  Methodist  Church. 


Twentieth  Centlkv  Sketches.  177 

His  educational  advantages  have  been  somewhat  meagre,  but  by 
close  application  and  hard  study  he  has  laid  a  good  foundation  for 
culture,  and  is  slowly  but  surely  building  thereon.  He  was  engaged 
as  clerk  in  a  drug  store  in  Lake  City,  S.  C,  when  called  to  preach. 
The  pious  \oung  man  laid  down  everything  and  began  preparing 
himself.  He  entered  the  high  school  at  Lake  City,  under  the  man- 
agement of  Prof.  W.  L.  Bass,  who  made  a  deep  impression  upon  our 
young  friend.  By  strict  economy  and  by  working  during  s]:)are 
hours,  he  was  enabled  to  remain  here  two  years.  From  here  he  went 
to  Carlisle  Fitting  School,  remaining  there  for  some  time,  and 
making  a  fine  record,  in  deportment  and  scholarship. 

Brother  James  joined  the  Churcli  in  1884,  under  the  preaching  of 
Rev.  D.  Durant,  being  happily  converted  some  time  later.  At  the 
time  of  his  conversion  he  felt  impressed  that  he  must  do  important 
work  for  Christ,  not  realizing,  however,  that  it  was  to  preach.  He 
engaged  in  Christian  work,  never  happier  than  when  leading  souls 
to  Christ.  The  conviction  grew  deeper  and  deeper  until,  on  October 
17,  1894,  God  mightily  visited  him  and  lead  him  then  to  realize  that 
he  nuist  preach.  His  pastor,  Rev.  S.  J.  Bethea,  came  to  see  him  on 
that  very  day,  and  to  him  the  secret  was  revealed.  He  was  imme- 
diately licensed  to  exhort,  and  in  the  spring  of  next  year — May, 
1895 — he  was  licensed  to  preach  by  the  District  Conference  in  Kings- 
tree.  In  September,  1897,  Brother  James  was  employed  to  take 
charge  of  Florence  Citv  Mission,  bv  Rev.  E.  T.  Hodges,  P.  E.  At 
the  session  of  the  Conference  that  fall  he  was  appointed  as  junior 
preacher  on  Providence  Circuit,  Rev.  C.  D.  ]\Iann,  pastor. 

In  December,  1898,  Brother  James  was  admitted  on  trial  into  the 
Conference,  and  was  sent  to  Orangeburg  City  Mission.  The  health 
of  Brother  D.  Z.  Dantzler,  who  had  been  appointed  to  South  Branch- 
ville  Circuit,  gave  way,  and  Brother  James  was  appointed  to  fill  out 
the  year.  In  1899  he  was  appointed  to  Boiling  Springs  Circuit, 
which  he  faithfully  served  for  1900,  carrying  up  to  Conference  the 
best  report  that  had  ever  gone  to  Conference  from  that  place.  At 
the  session  in  Chester,  November,  1900,  he  was  sent  to  L^nion  Mills 
for  190T,  where  he  has  most  auspiciously  entered  upon  his  work. 

Brother  James  is  young,  active  and  zealous,  with  heart  and  life 
consecrated  to  God.  His  noble  soul  is  wholl\-  in  the  work,  and  we 
predict  for  him  a  career  of  great  usefulness  and  success. 


12— S. 


1/8  Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 

REV.  EDWARD  SAMUEL  JONES. 

The  Rev.  Edward  Samuel  Jones  is  one  of  our  younger  preachers, 
and  promises  great  usefuhiess.  Soundly  converted,  devotedly  pious, 
of  pleasing  manners,  with  decided  musical  gifts  and  a  thorough 
course  at  Wofiford  College,  encouraged  and  aided  by  a  wife  who  is 
a  genuine  helpmeet,  much  may  be  expected  of  his  ministry.  He  is 
the  son  of  John  Randolph  and  Anna  Virginia  Jones,  and  was 
born  near  Columbia,  S.  C,  January  26th,  1870.  His  education 
began  in  the  schools  of  Columbia,  after  which  he  attended  Wofford 
College  and  graduated  with  credit  in  June,  1894.  He  was  converted 
and  joined  the  Church  in  May,  1884.  Impressions  of  a  call  to  preach 
came  in  the  days  of  his  boyhood,  but  it  was  not  until  the  year  1890 
that  he  was  fully  satisfied  that  God  had  called  him  to  preach  the 
Gospel,  and  he  began  to  make  preparations  for  the  high  vocation. 
He  was  licensed  by  the  Quarterly  Conference  of  Marion  Street  (now 
Main  Street)  Station,  September  14th,  1893.  He  was  received  on 
trial  in  the  South  Carolina  Conference  in  Nov.  1894,  and  was  ap- 
pointed to  Long  Town  Circuit  in  the  Spring  of  1895.  The 
pastorate  of  Round  O  Circuit  was  vacant,  and  he  was  transferred 
to  that  charge,  serving  there  the  remainder  of  the  year  and  the  one 
following.  In  1897  and  '98  he  served  Pacolet  Circuit;  1899,  1900 
and  1901  he  has  been  serving  Pacolet  Mills  Station. 

On  April  23rd,  1895,  ^^^  married  Miss  Pattie  Kirby,  youngest 
daughter  of  Maj.  A.  H.  and  Mrs.  M.  E.  Kirby,  of  Spartanburg.  Of 
this  union  three  children  were  born — Virginia  Durant,  who  died 
October  31st,  1898,  Ruth  Eugenia  and  Wilhelmina  Wordsworth. 

Brother  Jones  prepares  his  sermons  with  care,  and  preaches  them 
persuasively  and  impressively.  A  gifted  musician,  he  is  able  to 
make  the  services  he  conducts  most  attractive  and  pleasant.  And  to 
crown  all,  the  spirit  of  the  Lord  is  upon  him  in  all  this  work.  He 
is  also  a  faithful  pastor,  and  his  friendly  manners  give  him  easy 
access  to  the  people.     His  future  is  most  promising. 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


179 


REV.  R.  H.  JONES. 

Richard  Herbert  Jones  was  born  in  Rutledge  Street,  Charleston, 
S.  C,  ]\Iarch  28,  1853,  the  son  of  the  late  Jesse  Jones  and  Hannah 
Margaret  Evans,  the  eldest  of  five  living  children,  three  brothers 
and   two    sisters.     His    father   died    julv,    1886,   and    is   buried    in 


Charleston,  the  citv  of  his  nativitv.  His  mother  still  lives  to  bless 
her  children.  He  was  educated  in  the  public  and  private  schools  of 
Charleston,  and  though  denied  the  advantages  of  college  training 
by  the  fortunes  of  war,  yet  enjoyed  the  tutelage  of  such  noted 
masters  as  F.  W.  Pope,  Joseph  T.  Caldwell,  Wm.  H.  Tarrant  and 
Henry  P.  Archer. 

Contrary  to  his  ultimate  aims,  he  entered  the  employ  of  Walker, 
Evans  &  Cogswell,  of  Charleston,  S.  C,  and  after  three  years  com- 
pleted one  branch  of  that  extensive  industry,  equipped  for  a  business 
life.  He  left  secular  pursuits  shortly  after  this  to  prepare  for  the 
ministry.  Though  raised  in  the  Church  almost  from  infancy, 
brought  up  in  Bethel  Sunday  School  from  the  time  he  was  two  and 
a  half  years  old,  joining  the  Church  in  1871,  being  baptized  and  re- 
ceived by  Rev.  Able  M.  Chreitzberg,  D.  D..  and  then  called  early,  he 
did  not  yield  till  1874,  when  he  was  converted. 

After  a  twenty-two  months'  course  of  reading  and  study  under 
the  kind  guidance  of  Rev.  John  T.  W'ightman.  D.  D.,  now  of  the  Bal- 
timore Conference,  and  after  serving  the  Church  six  months  as  an 


i8o  Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 

exhorter  and  six  months  as  a  local  preacher,  Brother  Jones  was 
recommended  by  the  Quarterly  Conference  of  Bethel  Church  for 
admission  on  trial  in  the  South  Carolina  Annual  Conference,  at 
Chester,  S.  C,  December,  1876. 

His  first  appointment  was  to  Ellenton  Circuit.  The  next  Confer- 
ence sent  him  to  Aiken  Station,  where  he  met  the  future  "queen  of 
his  manse."  On  November  i6th,  1880,  he  married  at  Aiken,  S.  C, 
Miss  Irene  Palmer  Venning,  formerly  of  Charleston,  a  grand-niece 
of  Rev.  B.  M.  Palmer,  D.  D.,  of  New  Orleans.  Of  this  union  five 
children  were  born — Hattie  Wigfall,  now  finishing  the  Senior  class 
at  Columbia  Female  College;  Hannah  Evans,  who  died  in  1885,  and 
is  buried  in  Charleston;  Irene  Palmer,  who  died  in  1890,  and  is 
buried  in  Winnsboro ;  Richard  Herbert,  who  died  in  1893,  and  is 
buried  in  Greenville,  and  Jessie  Margaret. 

Ten  years  were  spent  on  circuit  work — Ellenton,  1877,  1879,  1880; 
Berkeley,  1882;  Walterboro,  1883.  1884;  Allendale,  1886;  1887; 
Rock  Hill,  1888;  and  Denmark,  1894.  Fourteen  years  were  spent 
on  stations — Aiken,  1878,  1889;  Bucksville,  1881  ;  Spring  Street, 
1885;  Winnsboro,  1890,  1891 ;  St.  Pauls,  Greenville  (where  he  or- 
ganized the  society  with  fifty-two  members,  Dec.  19th,  1891,  com- 
pleting a  chapel  a  few  months  afterward),  1892,  1893;  Walterboro, 
1895,  1896;  Laurens  (where  during  his  ministry  a  handsome  new 
church  costing  $14,000  was  built),  1897-1900.  At  the  last  Confer- 
ence, held  at  Chester,  S.  C,  Nov.  28th,  1900,  he  was  appointed  to 
Abbeville  Station. 

Brother  Jones  is  a  man  of  parts,  genteel  in  bearing,  accomplished 
in  social  relations,  an  artist  by  nature  and  culture,  well  posted  in 
current  literature  and  thought,  strong  in  conviction,  clear-cut  and 
vigorous  in  intellectual  methods,  and  a  sterling  preacher. 


REV.  W.  W.  JONES. 

Rev.  William  Washington  Jones,  son  of  Isaac  Jones  and  Fruana 
Scott  Jones,  was  born  November  16,  1825. 

The  educational  advantages  of  young  Jones  were  such  as  were 
ofifered  in  the  usual  schools  and  academies  at  that  time.  But,  like 
many  others,  he  made  good  use  of  what  advantages  he  had,  laying 
the  foundation  upon  which  he  continued  to  build  in  after  life. 

On  a  Sunday  night  in  1846  at  the  home  of  Brother  George  Cum- 
mings,  near  Ridgeville,  S.  C,  the  divine  call  to  preach  came  to 
Brother  Jones.  Clearly  and  distinctly  God  revealed  to  him  the  fact 
that  he  should  preach  the  glorious  Gospel  of  Christ  to  a  dying  world. 

In  December,  1849,  Brother  Jones  was  received  on  trial  into  the 
South    Carolina    Conference.     He    then    and    there    entered    upon 


T\\  KXTiKi  II  Ckxtl'rv  Sketches.  i8i 

the  great  work  of  a  ?^rctliodist  itinerant,  to  which  all  his 
powers  have  1)een  devoted  during"  these  years.  He  has  served 
the  following-  charges  at  the  times  indicated  hy  the  dates : 
Walterhoro,  1850-1  ;  Pickens,  1852;  Cypress,  1853;  Kingstree.  1854- 
5;  Cooper  River,  1856:  Walterhoro,  1857;  Cooper  River.  1858-9; 
Charlotte,  1860-1  :  Rutherford,  1862-3;  Monroe,  1864-5;  Pleasant 
Grove,  1866:  Eastern  ( )range.  1867-8:  Kingstree,  1869-70;  Marion. 
i87i-2;Buck  Swamp,  1873-5:  Clinton,  1876-7;  Conway,  1878: 
Berkeley,  1879;  Lexington  Fork,  1880;  Ahheville.  1881  ;  South  Ah- 
beville, '1882:  Abbeville,  1883;  Berkeley,  1884-5;  Cainhoy.  1886-7; 
Waccamaw,  1888:  P.ayboro,  1889-90;  Centenary,  1891-92;  North 
Edgefield,  1893-5;  I'litler,  1896-7;  Waterloo,  1898.  In  December, 
1898,  during  the  sess'on  held  at  Greenwood.  S.  C,  he  was  placed  on 
the  superannuate  relation.     He  makes  his  home  at  Waterloo,  S.  C. 

Brother  Jone".  evidently  believes  that  it  is  not  good  for  man  to  be 
alone,  he  having  been  married  three  times. 

On  September  29.  1856,  he  was  married  to  Miss  Anna  \l.  O.  John- 
son. Of  this  marriage  three  children  were  born  :  Fannie  E.,  Charlie 
W.,  and  Lillie  A. 

On  March  5,  1879,  he  was  married  to  Miss  Mary  Aiin  E.  White. 

On  November  2,  1882.  he  was  married  to  Mrs.  Mary  Holly  Allen. 

In  his  active  da\s  our  l)rothcr  was  a  strong  preacher,  at  times 
preaching  with  overwhelming  j^ower  and  eloquence.  During  his 
long  and  faithful  active  ministry  he  made  hundreds  and  thousands  of 
friends  who  greatlv  regret  that  he  is  no  longer  able  for  service. 
Scores  and  scores  of  souls  were  led  to  Christ  through  his  work,  many 
of  whom  have  preceded  him  to  the  better  land  and  are  waiting  there 
to  welcome  him  home. 


REV.  D.  W.  KELLER. 

Rev.  David  Wilson  Keller,  son  of  James  W.  Keller,  M.  D..  and 
Louisa  Keller,  was  born  May  21,  1867.  After  attending  the  schools 
of  Abbeville,  he  matriculated  at  the  Williamsion  Male  Academy, 
w^here  for  some  time  he  received  thorough  training. 

On  October  18,  1899,  he  was  married  to  Miss  Bessie  Garrett,  of 
Greenville,  S.  C,  who  is  making  our  brother  a  most  excellent  help- 
meet. 

Brother  Keller  was  converted  in  1884.  He  was  admitted  on  trial 
into  the  South  Carolina  Conference,  in  December,  i8()6,  with  Sidi 
B.  Harper,  William  C.  Kirkland,  J.  C.  Roper,  F.  Hawkins  Shuler, 
Foster  Speer  and  W.  H.  Thrower. 

He   has    very    faithfully     and   acceptably    served    the     following 


1 82 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


charges:    Townville   Circuit,    1897;    Mills    Mission,    in    Greenville, 
1898-9;  Westminster  Circuit,  1900-1901. 

Our  young  friend  is  making  a  fine  record  and  has  a  very  promising 
career  before  him. 


REV.  MELVIN  B.  KELLY. 

Rev.  Melvin  Bookman  Kelly  is  one  of  the  strongest  and  most 
popular  young  preachers  in  our  Conference.  He  was  born  March 
21,  1865,  and  is  the  son  of  Rev.  John  W.  Kelly,  for  many  years  a 
leader  in  the  South  Carolina  Conference,  and  Mrs.  Anna  Wilbur 


Kelly.     Our  young    friend    had    a    noble    example    in    his  honored 
father  and  the  son  is  nobly  following  the  footprints  of  the  sire. 

After  the  home  training,  young  Kelly  attended  a  school  taught  by 
Rev.  Thomas  Mitchell.  He  then  spent  two  years  at  the  Batesburg 
High  School,  under  the  principalship  of  Prof.  Ed.  K.  Hardin.  From 
this  he  went  to  Newberry  College  for  quite  a  while.  Leaving  col- 
lege, he  read  law  for  two  years.  Thus,  we  see,  he  had  ample  oppor- 
tunities along  educational  lines,  and,  from  his  present  culture  and 
scholarship,  we  judge  that  he  made  good  use  of  these  privileges. 
He  continues  to  study,  for  he  fully  realizes  that  the  purpose  of  his 
school  life  was  to  learn  how  to  stud  v. 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches.  183 


At  the  age  of  fifteen  years,  Brother  Kelly  felt  deeply  impressed 
that,  if  converted,  he  would  have  to  preach.  In  1887,  he  was 
brought  under  conviction  and  from  that  moment  there  was  no  peace 
until  he  yielded  to  the  divine  call  to  the  ministry.  He  was  received 
on  trial  into  the  South  Carolina  Conference  in  November,  1889,  Jef- 
ferson S.  Abercrombie,  Albert  H.  Best,  Rufus  A.  Child,  J.  R.  Cope- 
land,  George  W.  Davis,  W.  H.  Hodges,  John  Manning,  J.  Marion 
Rogers,  John  W.  Shell,  Whitefoord  S.  Stokes,  Artemus  B.  Watson 
and  J.  A.  White  joining  with  him.  His  labors  have  been  distributed 
as  follows:  Junior  preacher  on  Jonesville  Circuit,  1890-1  :  Santuc 
Circuit,  1892;  Clifton  Circuit,  1893;  Greer  Circuit,  1894;  Denmark- 
Circuit,  1895-8;  St.  Paul,  Greenville,  1899-1901.  He  was  ordained 
Deacon  by  Bishop  John  C.  Granbery  at  Darlington,  S.  C,  in  1891. 
and  was  ordained  Elder  by  Bishop  R.  K.  Hargrove,  at  Sumter,  S. 
C,  in  1893. 

From  the  day  our  excellent  brother  was  licensed  to  preach,  which 
was  done  at  the  Quarterly  Conference  of  the  South  Union  Circuit, 
held  at  Rogers'  Chapel,  in  April,  1898,  Rev.  Thos.  G.  Herbert  being 
the  Presiding  Elder,  until  this  he  has  been  doing  acceptal^le  and 
effective  work.  His  preaching  ability  is  above  the  ordinary.  He  is  a 
diligent  student  and  a  deep  thinker.  When  he  preaches  upon  a  sub- 
ject his  hearers  are  impressed  with  the  fact  that  he  has  thoroughly 
studied  his  theme.  He  is  popular  as  a  pastor,  and  his  friends  are 
always  numerous.  He  has  been  president  of  the  Oxford  League 
ever  since  its  organization  in  1894. 

Brother  Kelly  was  married  in  February,  1891,  to  INIiss  Adella  F. 
Sartor,  of  Union,  S.  C.  They  have  four  children — Francis  W., 
John  G.,  William  H.,  and  Samuel  S. 


*/\* 


184  Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 

REV.  W.  A.  KELLY. 

Rev.  William  Aiken  Kelly,  eldest  son  of  William  Aiken  Kelly 
and  Jessie  Ball  Kelly,  was  born  in  Charleston,  S.  C,  November  i, 
1871. 

Brother  Kelly  has  had  most  admirable  educational  advantages  and 
has  used  them  well.  He  was  for  five  years  a  student  at  Holy  Com- 
munion Church  Institute,  in  Charleston,  S.  C,  under  Rev.  A.  Toomer 
Porter,  D.  D.  In  October,  1885,  he  entered  the  High  School  of 
Charleston,  graduating  in  June,  1889,  and  was  class  valedictorian. 
He  was  then  a  private  student  for  one  year  under  Dr.  Henry  M. 
Bruns,  ex-President  of  Charleston  College.  In  October,  1890,  he 
matriculated  at  the  University  of  South  Carolina,  pursuing  special 
studies  in  the  junior  and  senior  classes.  He  graduated  from  the  Law 
School  of  this  institution  in  June,  1892,  receiving  the  degree  of  LL. 
B.  While  there  Brother  Kelly  was  president  of  the  University  Law 
Association,  president  of  the  Clariosophic  Literary  Society,  junior 
orator,  Clariosophic  contestant  in  Inter-State  Oratorical  Association, 
and  P.  G.  of  the  Phi  Kappa  Psi  fraternity.  These  are  evidences  of 
the  popularity  of  our  young  friend  while  in  college.  He  was  admit- 
ted to  the  practice  of  law  by  special  Act  of  the  Legislature  at  the  age 
of  twenty-one  years. 

Brother  Kelly  was  con-victed  of  sin  at  a  watch-night  service  held 
in  Cumberland  Church,  Charleston,  December  31,  1892,  and  applied 
for  membership  in  the  Methodist  Church  that  night.  On  the  fol- 
lowing Sunday  he  was  received  into  Bethel  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church,  South,  by  Rev.  Jesse  A.  Clifton,  D.  D.,  pastor.  He  was 
the  child  of  Episcopal  parents  and  from  his  early  years  had  an  im- 
pression that  he  would  end  in  preaching  the  Gospel.  Seeking  to 
escape  this  conviction,  because  of  preference  for  the  legal  profession, 
for  which  he,  by  natural  endowment  and  education,  seemed  fitted, 
he  entered  upon  the  practice  of  law  in  July,  1892.  But  he  could  not 
escape  the  divine  call.  So,  after  two  years  of  resistance,  he  yielded, 
and  was  licensed  to  preach  at  the  Quarterly  Conference  of  Bethel 
Church,  Charleston,  held  in  October,  1894.  At  the  session  of  the 
South  Carolina  Conference  immediately  after  this,  held  in  Laurens, 
November,  1894,  he  was  admitted  on  trial.  He  has  served  as  fol- 
lows: Townville  Circuit,  1895-6;  Mount  Carmel  Circuit,  1897;  Mag- 
nolia Street,  Sumter,  1898-1901.  In  all  of  these.  Brother  Kelly  has 
been  very  successful.  At  Townville  he  raised  a  debt  on  the  parson- 
age. At  Mount  Carmel  he  built  a  church  and  bought  a  parsonage. 
At  Magnolia  he  has  had  great  success,  building  a  handsome  church 
and  parsonage. 

On    February   20,    1895,   Brother   Kelly   was   married   in   Bethel 
Church,  Charleston,  to  Miss  Mary  Hicklin  Clifton,  eldest  daughter 


TwKXTiETH  Century  Sketches. 


185 


of  Rev.  Jesse  A.  CHftcjii.  I).  D.,  of  the  South  CaroHna  Conference. 
They  have  two  children  :  Jessie  CHfton  and  W'iiHam  Aiken. 

The  results  of  his  labors  show  our  brother  to  be  a  most  zealous 
and  aggressive  worker.  Those  who  have  had  the  privilege  of  hear- 
ing his  sermons  pronounce  him  a  yoimg  man  of  very  strong  puljMl 
ability. 


REV.  JAS.  W.  KILGO. 

James  \\'hitheld  Kilgo  was  born  in  Xewberry,  S.  C,  August  19, 
1859,  and  was  graduated  from  W'offord  College  in  June,  1881. 
Soon  after  his  graduation  he  became  instructor  in  tiie  Anson  Insti- 
tute, of  A\'adesboro.  X.  C.  where  for  six  years  he  did  most  excellent 
work,     louring  the  fall  of  1887  he  was  granted  a  local  preacher's 


license  by  the  Wadesboro  Quarterly  Conference,  under  P.  J.  Carra- 
vvay,  Presiding  Elder  of  the  Charlotte  District.  In  December  fol- 
lowing he  resigned  his  position  in  the  institute,  was  transferred  to 
South  Carolina  and  was  admitted  on  trial  into  our  Conference.  The 
following  schedule  will  show  places  and  dates  of  his  labors :  In 
charge  of  Chesterfield  Circuit.  1888  and  1889;  W'edgefield  Circuit. 
1890:  Walterboro  Station,  1891  and  1892:  Beaufort  Station.  1893. 
1894  and  1895;  Buncombe  Street  Station.  Greenville.  1896;  Trinity 


i86  Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


Station,  Charleston,  1897,  1898,  1899  and  1900.  He  was  at  the 
Chester  Conference  of  1900  appointed  by  Bishop  Hargrove,  Pre- 
siding Elder  of  the  Sumter  District,  where  he  now  works. 

Among  the  greatest  blessings  bequeathed  by  Providence  to  man 
are  noble  birth  and  fortunate  marriage.  The  subject  of  this  sketch 
fell  heir  to  both.  He  was  born  in  a  Methodist  parsonage,  and  his 
infant  gaze  met  the  smiles  of  godly  parents,  whose  devotion  to  their 
children's  welfare  knew  no  sacrifice  too  great,  and  could  only  cease 
with  death.  Rev.  James  T.  Kilgo,  the  father,  after  a  most  faithful 
and  useful  ministry  in  our  Conference  of  37  years,  passed  to  his 
reward  in  January,  1888.  The  mother,  Mrs.  Catherine  M.  Kilgo, 
still  lives,  and  by  the  beauty  and  strength  of  her  saintly  life  blesses 
the  homes  of  her  children.  From  the  parsonage  home  of  these  faith- 
ful servants  of  God  have  come  James  W.,  Dr.  John  C.  and  Pierce 
F.  Kilgo,  all  worthy  ministers  of  the  New  Testament,  and  Mrs. 
Annie  Campbell,  who,  as  a  member  of  the  Church,  is  in  labors 
abundant. 

It  was  while  he  was  engaged  in  teaching  that  he  met  Miss  Eliza- 
beth Coppedge,  of  Wadesboro,  X.  C,  who,  in  1883.  became  his  wife. 
She  has  been  to  him  a  ft-ue  helpmeet,  and  all  who  know  her  can 
testify  to  the  excellent  manner  in  which  she  has  filled  her  station  in 
life.  Six  children  have  blessed  this  .union.  James,  Kate,  Emma, 
Benjamin  and  ^lartha  are  still  living;  little  Elizabeth,  the  youngest, 
went  to  Heaven  last  year. 

That  Brother  Kilgo  is  a  successful  worker,  the  records  will  show. 
He  has  met  all  the  demands  of  the  pastorate,  and  steadily  grown  in 
favor  with  God  and  man.  The  prominent  position  which  he  holds 
in  the  Conference  has  been  won  by  his  pulpit  ability  and  his  tender 
regard  for  the  flock  placed  under  his  care.  He  is  a  student  of  men 
and  of  books,  and  has  a  large  stock  of  common  sense.  True  and 
courageous,  he  takes  position  on  all  vital  questions  in  a  manly  way. 
Generous  and  warm  hearted,  he  not  only  makes  strong  friends  but 
binds  them  to  himself  as  with  hooks  of  steel. 


REV.  P.  F.  KILGO. 

Rev.  Pierce  F.  Kilgo,  son  of  the  late  Rev.  James  T.  Kilgo  and 
JMrs.  C.  Kilgo,  was  born  at  Cokesbury.  S.  C,  May  18,  1867.  His 
sainted  father  was  for  many  years  one  of  the  most  beloved  members 
of  the  South  Carolina  Conference.  His  mother,  a  noble  Christian 
and  loyal  ^Methodist.  Reared  in  such  a  home  as  these  godly  parents 
w^ould  have,  it  was  perfectly  natural  that  the  boy  should  learn  in 
his  tender  vears  the  way  of  righteousness.  He  was  converted  and 
joined  the  Church  when  quite  a  boy.     By  economy  and  self-denial, 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches.  187 

the  father  managed  to  give  the  subject  of  this  sketch  and  his  two 
brothers,  John  C.  and  James  W.,  a  college  education.  It  has  been  a 
mystery  to  his  friends  how  this  faithful  preacher,  who  never  re- 
ceived a  large  salary  in  all  his  itinerant  career,  was  enabled  to  give 
all  his  children  a  thorough  education.  His  record  should  be  an 
inspiration  to  every  father  who  desires  to  educate  his  children,  but 
who  may  be  tempted  to  neglect  it  on  account  of  small  income. 

Brother  Pierce  F.  Kilgo  graduated  from  Wofford  College  in  June, 
1888.  He  had  been  licensed  to  preach  twelve  months  before  this — 
June  7,  1887.  He  was  received  on  trial  into  the  South  Carolina  Con- 
ference in  December,  1888,  at  Winnsboro,  Bishop  John  C.  Keener 
presiding.  Nicholas  G.  Ballenger,  Thomas  M.  Dent,  Henry  C. 
Mouzon,  John  L.  Ray,  George  R.  Shafifer,  Robert  E.  Stackhouse, 
Ellie  P.  Taylor,  E.  Alston  Wilkes  and  W.  Asbury  Wright  joined 
with  him. 

He  has  served  Lancaster  Station,  Greenwood  Station,  Cheraw 
Station,  Darlington  Circuit,  \\'illiamston  and  Belton  Circuit,  and 
Darlington  Station.  Gratifying  results  have  attended  his  labors  in 
each  charge;  but  his  most  successful  work  from  a  material  point  of 
view  was  done  at  Williamston,  where  he  was  successful  in  building 
a  beautiful  and  commodious  church. 

Brother  Kilgo  is  a  strong  and  impressive  preacher.  His  sermons 
are  prepared  with  an  eye  single  to  the  permanent  effect  upon  his 
hearers. 

He  was  married  on  December  6,  1888,  to  Miss  Nettie  Bethea,  of 
Marion  County.  S.  C,  who  is  a  faithful  helpmeet  and  delightful  com- 
panion for  our  brother. 


REV.  WM.  CLARKE  KIRKLAND. 

Today  there  is  not  among  the  yovnig  men  of  the  South  Carolina 
Conference  a  better  equipped  and  more  promising  young  preacher 
than  William  C.  Kirkland.  Strong  in  physical  manhood ;  striking 
in  personal  appearance ;  largely  endowed  by  nature  with  intellectual 
powers;  his  mind  trained  in  the  best  institutions  of  our  Methodism 
and  richly  stored  with  treasures  of  knowledge ;  coming  of  sterling 
Methodist  stock  and  from  a  home  of  Christian  nurture ;  his  heart 
filled  and  fired  with  all  holy  ambition  and  high  resolve,  and  all  his 
powers  in  full  touch  witli  the  Infinite,  he  stands  equipped  for  skilled 
service  for  the  Master. 

He  was  the  fifth  son  of  N.  1".  Kirkland.  Sr..  M.  D..  and  Mrs. 
Jennie  M.  Kirkland.  His  early  education  was  under  the  training  of 
good  teachers  in  the  Philadelphia  .\cademy  of  his  home  community. 
He  was  further  prepared  for  college  by  a  two  years'  course  in  the 


i88  Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 

Wofford  Fitting  School,  after  which  he  took  the  full  four  years' 
course  at  Wofford  College,  graduating  with  the  degree  of  A.  B.  in 
1893,  ^"<^1  taking  the  A.  M.  degree  the  following  year. 

He  joined  Mizpah  Methodist  Church  under  the  ministry  of  Rev. 
T.  E.  Morris,  May  9,  1886,  and  was  licensed  to  preach  by  the  Quar- 
terly Conference  of  Bamberg  and  Buford's  Bridge  charge,  held  in 
Trinity  Church,  Bamberg,  S.  C,  July  4,  1891,  Rev.  J.  Walter  Dick- 
son, P.  E. 

After  his  graduation  from  Wofford  College,  in  order  to  fit  himself 
more  fully  for  the  great  work  of  his  high  calling  as  a  ministc-  of  the 
glorious  Gospel  committed  to  his  trust,  he  attended  the  Biblical  De- 
partment of  the  \'anderbilt  University.  While  in  attendance  there 
he  was  ordained  Deacon  in  Tulip  Street  Church,  Nashville,  Tenn., 
by  Bishop  O.  P.  Fitzgerald,  Nov.  3,  1895.  He  graduated  from  the 
Vanderbilt  with  the  degree  of  B.  D.  in  1896,  and  was  immediately 
called  to  fill  the  vacancy  in  the  pastorate  of  the  Washington  Street 
Church,  in  Columbia,  S.  C,  caused  by  the  election  of  Dr.  John  A. 
Rice  from  that  charge  to  the  presidency  of  the  Columbia  Female 
College. 

He  was  admitted  on  trial  into  the  South  Carolina  Conference  in 
1896  and  has  regularly  passed  all  examinations  and  was  ordained 
Elder  by  Bishop  R.  K.  Hargrove  at  the  recent  session  of  the  Confer- 
ence at  Chester.  During  the  four  years  of  his  connection  with  the 
Conference,  he  has  served  Duncan  Church,  in  Spartanburg,  1897-98, 
and  Black  Swamp  Circuit,  1899-1900. 

October  9,  1900,  he  was  married  in  Bethel  Church,  Charleston,  to 
Miss  Lalla  Capers  Stokes.  Theirs  is  an  ideal  union  for  the  work  of 
the  Methodist  itinerancy,  and  the  happy  and  thoroughly  consecrated 
young  couple  go  this  year  to  Walterboro  Station  to  work  for  the 
Master.  Life  for  them  is  roseate  with  promise  of  richest  blessing 
and  vast  usefulness. 

The  host  of  friends  of  William  C.  Kirkland,  watching  his  career 
with  interest,  will  not  be  disappointed. 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


189 


REV.  PRESTON  LAFAYETTE  KIRTON. 

The  Rev.  Preston  Lafayette  Kirton  is  the  eldest  son  of  Rev.  W'm. 
H.  and  Mrs.  O.  V.  Kirton.  of  our  Conference.  He  was  born  in 
Horry  County,  S.  C.  October  nth,  1867.  He  joined  the  Methodist 
Episcopal  Church,  South,  when  a  child,  and  was  converted  to  God 
at  the  age  of  eleven  years.     Satisfied  of  his  call  to  preach,  he  was 


licensed  and  entered  the  South  Carolina  Conference  in  1886.  A 
few  years  later  he  was  transferred  to  the  Alabama  Conference, 
where  he  served  two  years,  and  then  returnd  to  his  native  heath. 
His  appointments  have  been:  1887,  Bayboro  Circuit;  1888,  Xorth 
George's  Circuit;  1889-90,  Glenville  Station,  Alabama;  1891,  Willis- 
ton;  1892,  Barnwell;  1893-94,  W'alterboro ;  1895-96-97-98,  !\Iarion 
Street  Station,  Columbia;  1899,  Florence;  1900-1901,  Greenwood. 
In  all  he  rendered  faithful  service,  and  God  blessed  his  labors. 

On  Dec.  10,  1889,  he  married  Miss  Lilla  Lee  O'Brien,  of  W'alter- 
boro.  Of  this  union  there  have  been  six  children,  four  of  whom — 
O'lirien,  Annie,  Lillian  and  Garland — survive.  Their  first  child — 
Claudia  Marie — died  Sept.  11,  1892.  A  precious  boy — Preston 
Lafayette,  Jr. — went  to  rest  eternal  in  the  year  1900. 

Brother  Kirton  is  a  man  of  ability ;  a  student  of  books  and  men ; 
well  versed  in  Methodist  doctrine  and  history.  He  is  pleasing  in 
manner,  easy  in  association,  alert  in  mind,  gifted  in  speech.  As 
a  preacher,  his  messages  are  well  prepared,  orthodox,  couched  in 


190 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


choice  language,  conveying  helpful  truth,  impressively  delivered. 
He  reasons  well  and  expresses  himself  clearly  and  strongly.  His 
word  is  not  in  vain.  As  a  pastor,  he  is  sympathetic,  diligent,  spec- 
ially attentive  to  the  sick,  carrying  cheer  in  homes  of  sorrow,  and 
help  where  help  is  needed.  His  gentleness  of  spirit  and  manner  is 
not  weakness — it  is  the  self-control  of  a  brave  man,  who  knows  how 
to  rule  himself,  and  how  to  be  considerate  of  others.  He  is  stalwart 
and  true — though  kind  to  opposers  as  well  as  friends.  He  loves  his 
fellow  men  and  God — and  all  that  is  steadfast  and  true  and  of  good 
report.  His  ministry  has  been  growingly  successful.  May  many 
years  of  ever  increasing  usefulness  be  his. 


REV.  W.  H.  KIRTON. 

Rev.  William  Harllee  Kirton  is  one  of  the  most  thoughtful  and 
level-headed  men  in  our  Conference.  He  first  saw  the  light  of  this 
world  on  November  3,  1843,  l^i^  father  being  Mr.  James  Jenkins 
Kirton,  and  his  mother  being  Mrs.  Anna  Jane  Kirton,  nee  Floyd. 


Brother  Kirton's  educational  advantages  were  fairly  good  and  he 
faithfully  used  them.  He  was  not  permitted  to  pursue  a  collegiate 
course.  He  was  converted  and  joined  the  church  when  quite  a  boy. 
Under  hurtful  influences,  he  grew  indifferent  toward  religious  mat- 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches.  191 

ters.  Fortunately  for  him  and  many  others  he  was  restored  on  the 
I2t]i  of  April,  1868,  and  was  called  to  the  ministry  during  the  sum- 
mer of  that  year.  The  call  was  clear  and  inimistakable,  and  the  re- 
sults of  his  labors  have  given  sufficient  proof  of  the  divinity  of  his 
call. 

Our  good  brother  served  as  a  supply  two  years  before  joining  the 
Conference — one  year  (1870)  he  served  Whiteville  Circuit  in  the 
North  Carolina  Conference;  one  year  (1873)  he  supplied  Wacca- 
maw  Circuit.  In  December,  1873,  ^^^  ^^'^s  admitted  into  the  Confer- 
ence, his  Conference  classmates  being  Leroy  F.  Beaty,  John  E.  Car- 
lisle, Isaac  J.  Newberry,  M.  H.  Pooser,  John  O.  W'illson  and  Geo.  W. 
Walker.  The  following  have  been  his  appointments,  with  the  dates : 
\\'accamaw  Circuit  and  Mission,  1874-5;  Conwayboro  Circuit,  1876; 
Hanging  Rock,  1877-8;  Johnsonville  Circuit,  1879;  Santee  Cir- 
cuit, 1 880- 1 ;  Tumbling  Shoals,  1882-3;  Pickens  Circuit,  1884-5; 
Providence  Circuit,  1886-8;  Blenheim  Circuit,  1889;  Bennetts- 
ville,  1890;  Bishopville  Station,  1891-2;  Lewiedale  Circuit,  1893; 
Santee  Circuit,  1 880-1 ;  Tumbling  Shoals,  1882-3  ;  Pickens  Circuit, 
1884-5;  Providence  Circuit,  1886-8;  Blenheim  Circuit,  1889;  ^^n- 
nettsville,  1890;  Bishopville  Station,  1891-2  ;  Lewiedale  Circuit,  1893; 
Green  Street  and  Brookland,  Columbia,  1894-5;  Hartsville,  1896: 
Lamar,  1897;  Lake  City,  1898-9.  At  this  time.  Brother  Kirton  was 
compelled  by  physical  disability,  to  ask  for  a  superanuate  relation 
which  was  granted  and  which  he  has  sustained  ever  since. 

Brother  Kirton  has  been  a  hard  student  and  deep  thinker,  follow- 
ing usual  theological  formulas  only  in  so  far  as  he  believed  them 
to  be  correct.  He  has  ever  been  a  courageous  man,  preaching  his  hon- 
est convictions  and  exercising  his  own  judgment  in  the  administra- 
tion of  church  affairs.  He  has  many  warm  friends  in  the  Confer- 
ence who  sincerely  regretted  that  it  became  necessary  for  him  to  sup- 
eranuate. 


192 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


REV.  PATJL  F.  KISTLEE. 

Rev.  Paul  F.  Kistler  was  born  in  Lincolnton,  N.  C,  February  12, 
1827.  He  joined  the  Alethodist  Episcopal  Church,  South,  June  14th, 
1844,  and  was  converted  on  the  24th  day  of  the  same  month,  under 
the  ministrv  of  the  Rev.  W.  P.  Mouzon. 


After  the  usual  preparatory  work  in  the  common  schools,  he  en- 
tered the  Cokesbury  Conference  School,  where  he  remained  for  two 
years — 1844-5. 

He  was  licensed  to  preach  at  the  old  Rock  Spring  Camp  Ground, 
Lincolnton  Circuit,  North  Carolina,  in  August,  1845,  wnder  the  ad- 
ministration of  Rev.  W.  A.  Gamewell,  Presiding  Elder.  He  was 
recommended  by  the  same  Quarterly  Conference  for  admission  on 
trial  into  the  traveling  connection  and  was  admitted  into  the  South 
Carolina  Conference  in  December,  1845,  with  Sidi  H.  Browne,  M. 
Sinclair  Boyd,  I.  O.  A.  Connor,  Joseph  Galluchat,  Hugh  F.  Porter 
and  Robt.  Taylor. 

On  the  29t'h  of  May,  1849,  Brother  Kistler  was  married  to  Miss 
Mary  Rebecca  Jennings,  of  Shelby,  N.  C,  Rev.  Jacob  L.  Shuford 
ofificiating.  Mrs.  Kistler  is  the  daughter  of  Dr.  Edward  Jennings 
and  Mrs.  Lucy  Jennings,  of  Yorkville,  S.  C,  subsequently  of  Shelby, 
N.  C.  She  was  born  in  Yorkville,  S.  C,  July  6,  1831.  To  them 
six  children  have  been  born.     Four  are  dead.     The  two  living  are : 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches.  193 

Mrs.  W.  G.  Sease,  of  Orangeburg,  S.  C,  and  Miss  Caro'  Lee,  who 
still  lives  with  the  parents,  and  devotedly  ministers  to  their  wants. 

Brother  Kistler  has  served  the  following  charges :  Spartanburg 
Circuit,  junior  preacher,  1846;  Walterboro  Circuit,  1847;  Catawba 
Circuit,  1848;  Lenoir  Circuit,  1849;  Yorkville  Circuit,  1850;  Ruther- 
ford Circuit,  1851-2;  Charlotte,  1853;  Concord,  1854-5;  Rutherford, 
1856-7;  Bennettsville,  1858-9;  Darlington,  1860-1 ;  Chaplain  24th  S. 
C.  v.,  1862;  Sumter,  1863-4;  Bishopville,  1865-8;  Darlington,  1869; 
Laurens,  1870;  Greenwood,  1871 ;  Cypress,  1872;  Bamberg,  1873-6; 
St.  Georges,  1877-80;  Batesburg,  1881-2;  Grahams,  1883-4:  Lynch- 
burg, 1885-6  ;Blackville,  1887-8;  Branchville,  1889-92;  Allendale, 
1893-5.  At  the  close  of  this  last  pastorate,  Brother  Kistler  was 
placed  on  the  superannuate  relation,  which  he  still  holds.  Having 
finished  a  half  century  of  active  itinerant  life,  he  asked  the  brethren 
to  grant  him  this  relation. 

Our  honored  brother  holds  a  most  desirable  place  in  the  love  and 
esteem  of  his  fellow-laborers  in  the  Lord's  vineyard.  He  has  had 
a  remarkable  career.  As  a  pastor,  he  was  deeply  sympathetic  and 
watchful,  ever  on  the  alert  to  serve  his  people.  During  his  active 
ministry.  Brother  Kistler  was  a  preacher  of  rare  pulpit  ability, 
preaching  with  great  power  and  acceptability.  In  fact,  he  still 
preaches  with  unusual  power. 

Doubtless  no  truer  soldier  of  the  Cross  ever  buckled  on  the  armor 
than  Paul  F.  Kistler.  He  has  bravely  fought  the  battles  of  the  Lord 
and  now  patiently  waits  the  call  of  the  jNIaster  to  higher  realms  of 
service.  He  could  most  appropriately  say:  "I  am  now  ready  to  be 
offered  up ;  I  have  fought  a  good  fight ;  I  have  finished  my  course ; 
I  have  kept  the  faith." 


(Since  the  above  was  put  in  type  our  good  brother  has  passed  to 
the  life  beyond. — Editor.) 


^1   1^ 


13— b. 


194 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


REV.  SAMUEL  LANDER,  A.  M.,  D.  D. 

Samuel  Lander  was  l^orn  in  Lincolnton,  N.  C,  Jan.  30,  1833.  The 
South  Carohna  Conference  convened  in  Lincohiton  the  day  of  his 
birth.  His  parents.  Rev.  Samuel  Lander  (a  local  preacher  licensed 
in  this  country)  and  Eliza    Ann    Lander,    were  natives  of  Ireland. 


They  came  to  America  because  of  persecution  by  Romanists.  His 
mother  was  a  descendant  of  the  Palatinate  colony  which  was  driven 
from  the  Rhine  provinces  by  the  Romanists,  and  took  refuge  in  Bal- 
lingrane,  Ireland — the  birthplace  of  Barbara  Heck.  Reared  in  a 
pious  home,  he  was  converted  and  joined  the  Methodist  Church  in 
early  youth.  As  child,  boy  and  man,  he  has  lived  a  pure  and  up- 
right life. 

He  was  educated  at  the  Lincolnton  Academy  and  Randolph-Ma- 
con College,  Virginia.  He  was  graduated  with  first  honor  from  the 
latter  institution  June  10,  1852. 

He  went  to  work  at  once  as  a  civil  engineer,  the  meanwhile  study- 
ing law,  but  in  a  few  years  he  began  teaching,  first  in  Catawba  Col- 
lege, N.  C.  then  successively  in  Olin,  N.  C,  Randolph-Macon  Col- 
lege, Va.,  Greensboro  Female  College  and  High  Point  Female  Sem- 
inary, N.  C.  All  these  years  he  was  perplexed  by  the  question  of  a 
call  to  preach.  He  decided  his  duty,  yielded  to  the  call,  and  was 
licensed  as  a  local  preacher  March  30.  1861,  still  continuing  to  teach. 

During  the  war  he  prepared  and  published  several  text-books  at 


Twentieth  Centlkv  Sketches.  195 

the  request  of  the  Educational  Board  of  Xorth  Carolina.  Among 
these  was  "A  \'erhal  I 'rimer,'"  the  first  book  pubHshed  to  teach  read- 
ing without  first  learning  the  alphabet — the  plan  now  in  general  use. 

Feeling  it  his  duty  to  enter  the  traveling  connection,  he  applied  to 
the  South  Carolina  Animal  Conference,  and  was  received  on  trial 
November,  18O4.  His  appointments  have  been:  1865,  Lincolnton 
Female  Seminary;  1866-67,  Lincolnton;  1868-69-70,  President  of 
Davenport  Female  College,  Lenoir.  X.  C. ;  1871.  Spartanburg  Female 
College;  1872,  W'illiamston  Circuit.  It  was  distinctly  understood  by 
the  Church  authorities  that  he  would  supplement  his  salary  on  this 
charge  bv  teaching.  Therefore,  on  reaching  his  field,  after  full  con- 
ference with  his  ['residing  Elder,  Rev.  R.  P.  Franks,  he  leased  the 
old  hotel  building  and  on  February  12th,  1872,  opened  the  William- 
ston  Female  College.  In  1873  he  was  appointed  by  the  Conference 
President  of  this  institution,  and  he  has  been  reappointed  every  suc- 
ceeding year  to  this  day.  In  1877-78-79  he  served  Williamston  sta- 
tion, and  in  1885  and  1898  he  had  charge  of  Williamston  Circuit  in 
addition  to  his  work  at  the  college.  In  all  he  has  been  faithful,  effi- 
cient and  successful.  He  is  a  born  teacher — especially  of  college 
girls. 

In  1878  Trinity  College,  X.  C,  conferred  on  him  the  degree  of 
Doctor  of  Divinity.  He  was  a  delegate  to  the  General  Conferences 
of  1890  and  1894. 

On  December  20,  1853,  he  married  Miss  Laura  Ann  McPherson, 
daughter  of  the  late  Rev.  Angus  ^IcPherson,  of  the  South  Carolina 
Conference.  Eleven  children  were  the  fruit  of  this  union :  Lily,  who 
died  in  infancy;  Alattie  L.  Prince,  wife  of  George  E.  Prince;  Rev. 
John  ]\I.,  now  in  Brazil ;  William  Tertius ;  Angus  J\I. ;  Neill  jM., 
Kathleen  L.  Willson,  wife  of  Rev.  John  O.  Willson ;  Malcolm  M. ; 
Dr.  Frank  M. ;  Christie,  who  died  at  the  age  of  six  years ;  and  Ernest 
M.  Lander.     Five  of  these  sons  have  graduated  at  \\'oft"ord  College. 


196 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


REV.  J.  M.  LAWSON. 

Rev.  James  Martin  Lawson  was  born  in  Abbeville,  S.  C,  May  8, 
1857.  His  parents  were  Hiram  W.  Lawson  and  Mrs.  Frances  J. 
Lawson.  The  father  was  a  native  of  the  State  of  New  York,  who 
came  South  in  the  year  1844.     He  was  a  sturdy  and  energetic  busi- 


ness man,  noted  for  his  integrity  and  honest  dealings  with  his  fellow- 
men.  The  mother  was  a  Skilleto,  an  old  and  prominent  family  of 
Abbeville  County. 

The  subject  of  this  sketch  had  access  to  the  best  private  and  high 
schools  that  Abbeville  afforded.  After  attending  these  for  several 
years,  he  was  taken  into  business  by  his  father  to  acquire  a  business 
education  by  actual  experience.  He  had  peculiar  fitness  and  adapta- 
bility for  conducting  mercantile  and  business  enterprises,  so  he  soon 
passed  from  the  apprenticeship  of  clerk  to  the  position  of  proprietor. 
After  a  successful  career  of  twenty-five  years  as  a  business  man,  he 
was  called  to  preach  the  Gospel  in  1896.  He  was  recommended  by 
the  Cokesbury  District  Conference  which  was  held  in  Greenwood 
in  1897. 

In  December,  1897,  he  was  received  on  trial  into  the  Conference, 
S.  H.  Booth,  W.  A.  Fairey,  D.  A.  Patrick,  J.  W.  Speake  and  R.  E. 
Turnipseed  being  received  with  him.  He  has  served  the  following 
charges:  Cherokee  Circuit,  1898;  Scranton  Circuit,  1899;  Lewie- 
dale  Circuit,  1900-1901.     In  each  of  these,  Brother  Lawson  has  been 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches.  197 

instrumental  in  doing  much  good.  He  is  a  good  preacher  and  an 
excellent  man,  influencing  for  good  all  who  come  in  contact  with 
him.  He  was  ordained  Deacon  by  Bishop  Key,  at  Orangeburg,  in 
1899. 

In  the  summer  of  189 1,  Brother  Lawson  was  married  to  Miss 
Josephine  B.  Russell.  To  them  have  been  bom  five  children.  The 
oldest — Antoinette — died  at  the  age  of  two  and  a  half  years.  The 
four  living  are  Frances  J.,  James  R.,  Hiram  W.  and  Louis  M. 


REV.  GEO.  C.  LEONARD. 

Rev.  George  Clark  Leonard,  son  of  John  P.  and  Martha  J. 
Leonard,  of  Spartanburg  County,  S.  C,  was  born  ]^Iarch  2,  1866. 
His  mother's  maiden  name  was  Cathcart. 

In  childhood  he  attended  the  common  schools  of  the  country.  At 
the  age  of  fourteen  years  he  entered  the  Reidville  High  School, 
where  he  received  instruction  at  intervals  vmtil  his  twent^'-firsc  year. 
Between  his  eighteenth  year  and  his  twenty-first  year  he  taught 
school  occasionally.  In  September,  1888,  he  entered  Greer's  High 
School  and  spent  two  years  there  studying  and  teaching.  From  the 
fall  of  1890  till  the  spring  of  1891  he  taught  in  Laurens  County.  In 
October,  1891,  he  entered  the  Freshman  class  of  Wofford  College, 
graduating  from  the  institution  in  June,  1895.  His  class,  containing 
thirty-four  members,  was  the  largest  ever  graduated  from  Wofford. 
Our  brother  made  a  fine  record  at  college,  making  distinction  on  all 
studies  except  Greek — even  making  it  on  that  in  Sophomore  and 
Junior  years.  He  was  a  member  of  the  Preston  Literary  Society, 
serving  in  various  offices  from  president  down,  and  representing  his 
society  in  Junior  debate  at  commencement  of  1894.  He  was  a  great 
Y.  M.  C.  A.  worker,  representing  that  organization  at  the  Students' 
Volunteer  Movement  Convention  held  in  Detroit,  Mich.  Our  young 
friend  deserves  great  credit,  for  he  had  to  work  his  way  through 
college,  each  vacation  being  spent  in  teaching  that  he  might  be  able 
to  return.' 

The  first  impression  of  his  Divine  call  to  preach  came  to  Brother 
Leonard  during  his  sixteenth  year,  under  a  sermon  preached  by  the 
late  Rev.  S.  P.  H.  Elwell,  D.  D.,  at  Sharon  Campmeeting,  in  Spar- 
tanburg County.  The  sermon  was  on  "Missions,"  and  during  the 
discourse  Doctor  Elwell  said  :  "I  have  no  doubt  that  there  are  young 
men  listening  to  me  now  whom  God  will  call  to  preach  His  Word  at 
home  and  in  foreign  fields."  Then  and  there  the  Holy  Spirit  im- 
pressed the  heart  of  young  Leonard  that  he  should  preach.  In  his 
twenty-second  year  he  yielded  to  the  impression  and  accepted  the 


198 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


call.  On  June  9,  1888,  he  was  licensed  to  preach  at  Liberty  Church, 
Campobello  Circuit,  Spartanburg  District,  and  since  that  hour  all 
the  energies  of  our  young  brother  have  been  devoted  to  the  work 
of  the  Lord. 

Immediately  after  his  graduation,  Brother  Leonard  was  employed 
as  a  supply  for  Rock  Hill  Circuit.  He  was  admitted  on  trial  in  De- 
cember, 1895,  with  John  G.  Beckwith,  Chesley  C.  Herbert,  Benjamin 
y[.  Robertson,  Henry  Stokes  and  Julius  F.  Way.  He  served  suc- 
cessfully and  acceptably  the  Lancaster  Circuit  for  four  years,  1896-9. 
He  was  then  assigned  to  Fountain  Inn  Circuit,  where  he  is,  at  this 
writing,  in  the  second  year  of  his  stay  there,  and  where  he  is  doing 
excellent  work.  He  is  a  splendid  preacher,  an  active  worker  and 
sympathetic  pastor,  growing  in  favor  as  the  days  go  by. 

Brother  Leonard  was  married  February  12,  1896,  to  ]\Iiss  Eva 
Ballenger,  at  her  father's  residence  near  Highland,  Greenville 
County,  S.  C,  Rev.  F.  Hawkins  Shuler  officiating. 


REV.  A.  S.  LESLEY. 

Rev.  A.  Stephen  Lesley,  the  son  of  W.  Anderson  Lesley,  was  born 
in   Pickens   Countv,   S.   C.     Reared   by   two  of  the   most   faithful 


Methodists   we   have   ever   known,   our   young   brother   was   early 
brought  to   Christ.     He  joined  the   Church  in  his   early  boyhood 


Twentieth  Century  Sketchks.  199 


and  was  converted  to  God.  His  educational  advantages  were  ob- 
tained in  the  schools  near  his  home. 

Even  in  earl\-  manhood  our  brother  felt  it  hi.*^  duty  to  preach,  but 
he  shrank  from  the  task.  He  married  and  settled  for  farming-.  The 
call  became  louder  and  louder  until  at  last  he  yielded,  asked  license 
and  was  received  into  the  S.  C.  Conference  in  November,  1892.  His 
appointments  have  been:  Lancaster,  1893;  Xorth  Rock  Hill, 
1894-95 ;  Belmont.  ^896;  Kinards.  1897-98:  Saluda,  1899-1900; 
Greenwood  and  Abbeville  ]^Iills.  1901. 

Brother  Leslev  is  a  good  preacher  and  pastor.  Everywhere  he 
goes  he  wins  the  hearts  of  those  he  serves  and  everywhere  his 
ministrv  is  owned  of  God  in  the  conversion  of  sinners  and  the  up- 
building of  believers.  Modest  and  retiring,  he  nia\-  not  at  first  ac- 
quaintance be  appreciated,  but  acquaintance  soon  ripens  into  real 
friendship  and  his  friends  abide. 

On  the  2ist  of  December.  1881,  he  married  Miss  Sallie  J.  Ariail, 
and  of  this  union  six  children  were  born  to  them — two  girls  and  four 
boys — all  living. 


REV.  T.  C.  LIGON. 

The  subject  of  this  paper.  Rev.  Thomas  Charlton  Ligon,  is  one  of 
the  most  faithful  members  of  the  South  Carolina  Conference.  He  is 
the  son  of  ]Mr.  Wm.  Jackson  Ligon  and  Mrs.  Louisa  Caroline  Ligon 
(nee  Seibels),  and  was  bom  in  Lexington  Count}-.  S.  C,  on  August 
30,  1858. 

He  was  educated  under  and  by  his  own  father,  who  gave  the  boy  a 
thorough  mental  training,  thus  laying  the  foundation  for  a  life-long 
course  of  study. 

In  early  childhood  Brother  Ligon  was  deeply  impressed  that  he 
ought  to  preach  the  Gospel.  This  impression  deepened  as  the  years 
passed  by,  until  at  the  age  of  twenty-seven  years,  it  became  so  over- 
powering he  had  to  accept  the  work  or  reject  it  at  the  peril  of  his 
own  soul.  The  divine  call  was  thorough  and  satisfactory  and  our 
brother  surrendered  all  his  powers  to  the  work  of  the  Master. 

Brother  Ligon  was  married  on  December  18.  1879,  to  Miss  Mary 
Elizabeth  Towers,  daughter  of  Mr.  .Alexander  B.  Towers,  of  .\nder- 
son  County,  S.  C.  They  have  six  children:  Mary  Charlton,  Will- 
iam Jackson.  Alexander  Towers.  Louis  Lucien.  Daniel  Robert  and 
Louisa  Ellen. 

Brother  Ligon  was  received  on  trial  into  the  South  Carolina  Con- 
ference in  December.  1885.  with  i:.  P..  Loyless.  A.  F.  Berry.  E.  O. 
Watson,  J.  M.  Steadman.  T.  C.  0"Dell.  J.  F.  Anderson.  .\.  M.  At- 
taway,  W.  L  Herbert,  John  Owen  and  D.  .\.  Calhoun. 


200  Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


His  labors  have  been  in  the  following  fields :  Townville  Circuit, 
1886;  Piedmont  Circuit,  1887-90;  Lexington  Circuit,  1891-2;  Lees- 
ville  Circuit,  1893-5;  Rock  Hill  Circuit  and  City  Mission,  1896-8; 
Piedmont  Station,  1899- 1900. 

During  the  year  1900  Rev.  J.  M.  Pike,  who  had  had  charge  of  the 
Oliver  Gospel  Mission  and  was  editor  of  "The  Way  of  Faith"  in 
Columbia,  resigned  his  position,  and  Brother  Ligon  was  elected  to 
the  place.  He  accepted  sincerely  hoping  that  the  presiding  bishop 
at  the  next  session  of  our  Conference  would  appoint  him  to  the  place, 
thus  allowing  him  to  retain  his  membership  in  the  Conference.  The 
Gospel  Mission,  however,  not  being  an  institution  of  our  church,  did 
not  come  within  the  regulations  of  the  discipline.  The  bishop,  there- 
fore did  not  feel  authorized  to  make  such  an  appointment.  The  only 
thing  left  for  Brother  Ligon  to  do  was  to  locate  and,  in  the  capacity 
of  a  local  preacher,  serve  the  Mission  and  act  as  editor  of  the  paper. 
It  was  with  great  regret  that  our  brother  located  and  many  were 
deeply  grieved  that  he  saw  best  to  do  so.  But  we  all  believe  that  he 
has  acted  conscientiously  in  the  matter.  He  is  a  brave,  conscient- 
ious preacher  and  a  forcible  writer.  May  Heaven's  richest  blessings 
attend  him. 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


20 1 


REV.  L.  C.  LOYAL. 

Had  we  the  space  to  give  a  minute  sketch  of  Brother  Loyal  some  of 
the  most  interesting  facts  ever  connected  with  a  human  Hfe  could 
be  laid  before  our  readers.  But  the  plan  of  this  book  forbids,  so  the 
writer  must  forego  the  pleasure,  and  give  the  usual  outline  of  the 
life  of  this  heroic  servant  of  Christ. 

Rev.  Louis  Charles  Loval.  son  of  Pierre  Loyal  and  Mary  Adelaide 


Loyal,  was  born  in  France,  August  25,  1822.  His  grandfather  was 
a  wealthv  French  nobleman,  who  had  two  sons— Pierre  and  Alex- 
ander. The  father  of  the  subject  died  while  the  boy  was  quite 
young.  The  youth  was  taken  charge  of  by  his  brother-in-law.  Mr. 
Gomiard,  and  taken  to  Paris.  When  Brother  Loyal  was  only  four 
years  old,  a  maternal  step-brother,  Thomas  E.  Denaux,  had  come  to 
America  and  located  in  New  York  city.  The  boy  was  sent  to  this 
step-brother.  After  a  voyage  of  thirty-three  days,  he  landed  in  Xew 
York  and  made  his  way  to  the  desired  place.  He  was  wholl>-  unac- 
quainted with  the  English  language,  but  was  soon  put  in  school  and 
his  main  education,  in  the  way  of  book  learning,  was  there  obtained. 
He  had  been  reared  in  the  Romish  faith,  but  by  being  permitted  to 
attend  a  Bible  class  in  a  Methodist  Church  his  eyes  were  opened  to 
his  condition  before  God.  Young  Loyal's  stepbrother,  having  failed 
in  business  and  having  lost  his  wife  by  yellow  fever,  moved  to 
Charleston,  S.  C.     It  was  here  that  our    friend    and  brother  was 


202  Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 

thrown  in  touch  with  the  Methodists  more  fully,  being  persuaded 
often  to  attend  Trinity  and  Cumberland  churches. 

On  January  2,  1842,  at  the  close  of  the  farewell  sermon  of  Rev. 
Thomas  Hutchings.  at  old  St.  James  church.  Brother  Loyal  joined 
the  Methodist  Church.  He  was  at  once  put  to  work,  such  as  leading 
in  song  service,  leading  class,  and  acting  as  steward. 

He  was  licensed  to  preach  in  1851  ;  was  ordained  Deacon  in 
Charleston,  S.  C,  in  1854,  by  Bishop  Early;  was  ordained  Elder  by 
the  same  Bishop  at  Greenville,  S.  C,  in  1858.  For  several  years  he 
acted  as  a  local  preacher,  having  appointments  to  preach  as  opportu- 
nity afforded.  In  1865  ^^^  supplied  Prince  William  Circuit.  1867 
he  was  appointed  as  supply  for  Spring  Street,  Charleston,  which  was 
still  in  the  hands  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  (North).  By 
his  efforts  this  church  was  saved  to  its  owner,  the  Methodist  Epis- 
copal Church,  South. 

Brother  Loyal  was  received  on  trial  into  the  South  Carolina  Con- 
ference December,  1868.  with  T.  E.  Wannamaker,  and  has  served 
as  follows:  Black  Swamp  Circuit,  1869-70;  Cooper  River,  1871 ; 
Lexington,  1872;  Graniteville,  1873-75;  Seneca  City,  1876;  Cainhoy, 
1877;  Black  Swamp,  1878-80;  Yemassee,  1881-82;  Waccamaw, 
1883-84;  Bucksville,  1885-86;  Berkeley,  1887;  Georgetown,  1888; 
Britton's  Neck,  1889.  At  the  session  of  the  Conference  held  at 
Camden,  S.  C,  at  the  close  of  this  last  mentioned  year,  he  was  placed 
on  the  superannuated  relation,  which  he  still  holds. 

January  7,  1847,  Brother  Loyal  was  married  to  Miss  Ann  Frances 
Martin.  To  them  the  following  children  were  born  ;  Mary  Adelaide, 
Edward  Alexander,  Frances  Adlai,  James  Pickett,  Jacob  Wightman, 
Emma  Catherine,  Sarah  Pelzer,  Louis  Charles,  Julia  Laura,  Powell 
Reed,  James  Henry.  William  Hard. 

Our  good  bf other's  name  is  an  index  to  his  character.  Loyalty 
to  the  truth,  to  the  right,  to  his  Church,  and  his  Lord,  has  ever  char- 
acterized him.  He  was  a  good  preacher,  always  endeavoring  to 
preach  the  simple  truth ;  a  helpful  pastor,  ever  entering  sympathet- 
ically into  the  experiences  of  his  people ;  and  a  lovable  man,  making 
friends  wherever  he  went.  He  has  bravely  borne  the  burdens  of 
life;  "at  evening  time  may  there  be  light." 


TwKXTiKTii  Centurv  Skf.tchks.  203 

REV.  EDWARD  B.  LOYLESS. 

Edward  B.  Loyless  has  answered  tlic  roll  call  of  this  Conference 
for  the  last  time.  It  was  on  the  22d  of  last  April  that  the  writer 
received,  at  his  home  in  Yorkville,  the  following  telegram  from  Mr. 
James  Loyless,  of  Spartanburg:  "Father  died  last  night  10:15." 
Then  it  was  that  a  noble,  sweet  soul,  disenthralled  from  the  bondage 
of  its  hindering  clay,  went  home  to  God. 

Brother  Loyless  was  ready  to  go ;  ready  by  all  the  tokens  of  Chris- 
tian consecration  to  the  service  of  God  and  the  Church  ;  and  ready, 
too,  by  the  fires  that  consume  the  dross  and  refine  the  gold — the  fires 
of  a  protracted,  painful  illness  for  the  last  several  months  of  his  life. 
He  was  at  the  time  of  his  decease  a  superanuated  member  of  the 
South  Carolina  Conference,  which  body  he  joined  December,  1S85. 
and  in  which  body  he  labored  actively  and  with  fruitful  results  till 
the  failure  of  his  health  last  year,  serving  seven  years  on  circuit  and 
seven  on  missions.  He  served  as  a  local  supply  several  years,  ren- 
dering most  efficient  and  acceptable  service  before  his  membershi])  in 
this  Conference. 

He  was  a  faithful  man  of  God  and  servant  of  the  Church.  He 
was  not  only  the  pastor  of  his  people,  but  their  personal  friend, 
ready  to  sympathize  with  them  upon  an  occasion  and  oi)portunity  to 
serve  and  hel]:)  them.  Tlie  writer  knew  him  well — quite  well.  We 
w-ere  close  friends.  In  all  my  acquaintance  with  this  Conference, 
covering  a  period  of  38  years,  I  have  never  known  among  us  a  more 
thorough  Christian  gentleman  than  Edward  B.  Lovless.  Shakes- 
peare  makes  King  Lear  to  claim  of  himself  that  he  was  every  inch  a 
king.     Lovless  was  every  inch  a  man. 

His  educational  advantages  were  slight,  and  his  j^rcaching  unpre- 
tentious and  plain  ;  and  yet  his  was  a  useful  and  edifying  ministry. 

He  was  born  in  Beaufort  District,  September  10,  1842.  and  was 
married  November  5.  1874.  to  Miss  Sarah  E.  Sanders,  of  Colleton 
County.  Seven  of  his  eight  children  survive,  and  these,  with  their 
widowed  mother,  claim  our  tender  sympathy. 

At  58  years  of  age,  in  the  ripe  maturity  of  his  inlluence  and  his 
powers,  he  is  called  away  from  us.  A  few  months  ago.  strong  and 
W'ell,  and  now,  after  a  ra])i(l  decline,  at  home  with  God.  Said  Ed- 
mund Burke,  in  the  English  Parliament,  and  in  memoriam  of  a  lately 
deceased  member  of  that  august  body :  "What  shadows  we  are.  and 
what  shadows  we  pursue!"  May  we  not  get  the  most  out  of  the  life 
that  now  is  by  putting  the  most  into  it,  and  so  following  Christ  after 
the  example  of  our  sainted  and  ascended  brethren,  be  found  in  Christ 
here  and  with  Christ  forever.  < 


204 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


REV.  B.  D.  LUCAS. 

Rev.  Benjamin  Dean  Lucas  was  born  December  14th,  1868,  in  the 
town  of  Chesterfield,  S.  C.  He  is  the  oldest  son  of  Dr.  T.  E.  Lucas 
and  Mrs.  Dollie  Hanna  Lucas.  The  elementary  work  in  his  educa- 
tion was  received  at  his  home,  after  which  he  spent  four  years  in  the 
Citadel  at  Charleston,  S.  C.     Reared  in  a  Christian  home,  Benjamin 


in  very  childhood  gave  his  heart  to  God  and  his  hand  to  the  Church. 
While  a  boy,  his  heart  was  moved  in  sorrow  and  sympathy  for  the 
heathen  world,  and  with  the  desire  and  purpose  of  preaching  the 
Gospel  to  the  people  of  China,  he  applied  for  license  in  1888,  that 
fall  entering  the  South  Carolina  Conference.  His  first  year  was 
spent  on  Jefferson  Circuit.  In  1890  he  was  sent  to  Wateree  Circuit. 
In  August  of  this  year,  being  accepted  by  the  General  Board,  he  was 
sent  as  a  missionary  to  China.  Serving  faithfully  in  this  field  for 
seven  years,  his  health  failed,  and  he  returned  to  America.  After 
three  years  of  rest  and  recuperation,  he  was  appointed  to  Lancaster 
Circuit  to  supply  the  place  of  Rev.  M.  H.  Pooser,  who  had  died. 
Bishop  Wilson  in  October,  1900,  transferred  Brother  Lucas  to  the 
South  Carolina  Conference,  and  at  its  last  session  he  was  appointed 
to  O'Neal  Street  Church,  Newbeh-y,  S.  C. 

Throughout  Brother  Lucas'  life  and  ministry,  faithfulness  to  duty 
and  deep  reverence  and  devotion  to  God  have  characterized  him. 
He  is  one  of  our  untiring  and  unselfish  workers. 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


205 


REV.  J.  E.  MAHAFFEY. 

James  Ervin  Mahafifey  was  born  in  Greenville  County,  South 
Carolina,  September  2"],  1864.  Being  the  oldest  of  eight  children, 
with  poor  parents,  dependent  upon  a  small  farm,  his  school  oppor- 
tunities were  very  scant,  not  exceeding  four  or  six  weeks  in  the  vear. 


»^- 


He  joined  the  Church  when  twelve  years  old,  and  at  the  age  of  four- 
teen was  elected  Superintendent  of  the  union  Sunday  School.  It 
was  by  persistent  study  at  night,  and  that  without  assistance,  that 
he  covered  the  common  school  course  and  entered  the  preparatory 
department  of  Wofford  College  at  the  age  of  sixteen,  in  1880. 

Here  he  was  entirely  dependent  on  his  own  work  evenings  and 
Saturdays  for  board  and  clothing.  Books  and  incidentals  were  fur- 
nished the  first  and  second  years  by  friends,  some  of  whom  are  to 
this  day  unknown.  His  college  course  was  irregular,  being  inter- 
rupted several  times  by  the  necessity  of  helping  on  the  farm.  It 
consisted  mainly  in  IMathematics  and  English,  with  some  start  in 
Latin,  Greek  and  German. 

He  was  licensed  to  preach  June  18,  1884,  and.  whether  at  college 
or  teaching  school,  he  preached  two  or  three  times  every  Sunday. 
His  ministerial  associations  were  such  as  finally  induced  him  to 
abandon  the  idea  of  completing  his  college  course  and  enter  the  regu- 
lar ministry,  which  he  has  since  regretted.  Men  ought  to  be  care- 
ful how  they  advise. 

In  May,  1887,  he  went  from  the  principalship  of  the  Duncans 
High   School   to  fill   the  vacancy  occasioned  by   the  death   of   Dr. 


2o6  Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 

Rowell,  on  the  Jonesville  Circuit,  which  he  did  to  the  great  satisfac- 
tion of  all. 

He  was  married  to  Miss  Mattie  ^lay  Wingo,  of  Duncans,  S.  C, 
June  21,  1887,  and  thus  she  who  had  been  "assistant  teacher"  for 
a  term  became  "assistant  preacher"  for  life.  James  Boyce,  Jessie 
INIav.  Jennie  Iva,  Jean  Paul  and  Rosa  Cornelia  are  additions  to  the 
family  record. 

He  joined  the  Conference  in  1887,  and  was  appointed  to  Clinton 
Circuit,  where  he  remained  four  years,  and  the  first  two  children 
were  born.  He  served  Santee  Circuit  in  1892,  but,  on  account  of 
sickness,  was  moved  at  the  next  Conference  to  Heath  Springs  (then 
known  as  Hanging  Rock).  In  two  years  the  work  had  so  developed 
that  it  was  thought  best  to  divide  it.  This  occasioned  another  move. 
The  next  four  years — 1894-98 — were  spent  on  Chester  Circuit.  He 
served  at  Green  Street,  in  Columbia,  with  Brookland  attached,  in 
1899,  and  with  Granby  attached  in  1900. 

J\Ir.  ISIahaffey  has  been  a  student  all  his  life,  and  takes  great 
delight  in  working  at  difficulj;  questions.  His  productions  for  the 
press  find  a  hearty  welcome  among  thoughtful  readers,  and  his  liter- 
ary exploits  in  book  form  have  found  ready  sale.  He  has  had  some 
complimentary  offers  for  regular  magazine  work,  but  recognizing 
his  call  to  the  ministry,  which  he  cherishes  among  his  earliest  recol- 
lections, he  continues  a  IMethodist  itinerant,  having  twice  refused 
double  his  present  salary  as  a  lecturer. 

He  is  not  a  specialist,  but  comes  very  near  to  being  an  all-round 
man  in  every  sense  of  that  term,  except  possibly  a  defect  in  husband- 
ing the  results  of  his  ministry. 


Twentieth  Centurv  Sketches. 


207 


REV.  COKE  D.  MANN. 

The  subject  of  tliis  sketcli.  Kcv.  Coke  Daiiby  Mann,  is  a  man  in 
every  respect — in  physical  construction,  m  intellectual  ability  and  in 
spiritual  power.  He  first  saw  tiie  light  of  this  world  on  April  2. 
1849.     He  is  the  son  of  Mr.  William  Mann  and  Mrs.  Sarah  Mann. 


After  the  usual  traininj^  in  the  common  schools  where  he  was 
reared,  he  was  sent  for  quite  a  while  to  the  High  School  at  Lowndes- 
ville,  S.  C.  While  deprived  of  a  collegiate  education.  Brother  Mann 
has  striven  to  make  up  the  deficiency  by  earnest  application.  He  has 
not  only  studied  books,  but  men  as  well. 

Like  many  another  man,  he  struggled  with  the  call  to  preach,  feel- 
ing and  realizing  the  call  some  four  or  five  years  before  he  yielded. 
But  when  he  did  yield,  it  was  a  complete  and  unconditional  surremler 
to  God  and  from  that  day  onward  he  has  been  striving  to  glorify  God 
and  bless  men.  God  has  blessed  his  labors.  He  has  received  into 
the  Church  on  profession  of  faith  more  than  twelve  hundred  persons, 
old  and  young. 

Brother  Mann  was  admitted  into  the  Conference  in  December. 
1872,  with  R.  W.  l)arber,  J.  C.  Davis.  Geo.  H.  Pooser  and  William 
A.  Rogers.  He  has  served  as  follows :  Junior  ])reacher  on  Conway 
Circuit,  1873-4;  Blackstock,  1875:  .Abbeville  Circuit.  1876-7:  West- 
minster Circuit.  1878:  Reidville  Circuit.  1870-1880:  Abbeville  Cir- 
cuit. T881-4:  Walhalla.  1885-6:  Reidville  Circuit.  1887- 1890:  Saluda 


208 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


Circuit,  1891-2;  Newberry  Circuit,  1893-4;  Lamar  Circuit,  1895-6; 
Timmonsville  Circuit,  1897;  Providence  Circuit,  1898-9;  New 
Brooklancl  and  Hebron,  1900. 

Brother  Mann  married  Miss  Eliza  Jane  Mellford,  of  Abbeville 
County,  S.  C.  They  have  five  children  living :  James  L.,  Junius  L., 
Edward  Coke,  John  Holmes  and  Bessie  McClair. 

Brother  Mann  is  a  thoughtful  and  interesting  preacher.  He  is  a 
man  of  unusually  strong  convictions  and  these  convictions  are  un- 
hesitatingly expressed.  He  is  an  uncompromising  enemy  of  every- 
thing that  is  sinful.  Those  who  are  permitted  to  enter  the  circle  of 
his  friendship  ever  find  him  a  true  and  trusty  friend. 


REV.  JOHN  MANNING. 

Rev.  John  Manning,  son  of  Mr.  Mealy  Planning  and  Mrs.  Mary 
Manning,  was  born  November  29,  1844.  His  early  educational  ad- 
vantages were  somewhat  limited,  but  he  made  excellent  use  of  them 
and  made  a  heroic  struggle  for  an  education,  sometimes  walking 
five  miles  to  school.     What  a  rebuke  this  is  to  those  boys  in  this  day 


who  have  schools  all  about  them  and  yet  do  not  attend!  It  really 
seems  that  the  more  plentiful  schools  are,  the  less  appreciation  there 
is  of  them. 

Brother  Manning  was  engaged  in  the  mercantile  business  and  was 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches.  209 


succeeding  nicely  wlicn  the  divine  call  to  preach  came  to  him.  He 
laid  down  everything-  in  the  business  work  and  at  a  great  financial 
sacrifice  entered  the  ministry,  hoping  to  serve  the  Lord  faithfully. 
He  joined  the  South  Carolina  Conference  in  November,  1889,  with 
T.  S.  Abercrombie,  A.  H.  Best,  R.  A.  Child,  J.  R.  Copeland,  G.  W. 
Davis,  W.  H.  Hodges,  M.  B.  Kelly,  J.  M.  Rogers,  J.  W.  Shell,  W.  S. 
Stokes,  A.  B.  Watson  and  J.  A.  White. 

He  has  served  as  follows:  Pee  Dee  Mission,  1890,  (in  the  spring 
of  this  year  he  was  removed  and  used  to  fill  out  the  unexpired  term 
of  Rev.  F.  Auld,  whose  health  had  given  way)  ;  Wedgefield  Circuit, 
1891  ;  Waterloo  Circuit,  1892-93;  North  Marlboro  Circuit,  1894; 
Edgewood  Circuit,  1895-6.  At  this  period,  our  good  brother's  health 
had  so  given  way  that  he  felt  it  necessary  for  him  to  ask  for  the  super- 
numerary relation,  which  was  granted.  He  has  never  since  felt  that 
his  health  had  been  sufficiently  restored  for  him  to  take  work  again. 

Our  friend  is  a  good  man,  a  faithful  and  zealous  worker,  and  an 
acceptable  preacher.  It  is  sincerely  hoped  that  he  will  yet  be  re- 
stored and  have  many  years  to  preach  that  Gospel  that  is  so  precious 
to  him. 

Brother  Manning  was  married  December  13,.  1865,  to  Miss  C.  S. 
McRae.  Of  this  union  six  children  were  born,  two  of  whom  have 
passed  to  the  life  beyond.  Four  daughters  are  still  living:  Lena, 
Jane,  Nannie,  ]\Iary  Catherine  and  ]\Irs.  Emma  Evans.  The  mother 
of  these  children  was  also  taken  to  the  home  above.  Brother  Man- 
ning's second  marriage  was  on  April  22,  1880,  to  ?^Iiss  Rebecca 
Kinnev. 


14 — S. 


2IO 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


REV.  W.  SMITH  MARTIN. 

Good  old  ]\Iethodist  blood  flows  in  every  vein  of  the  subject  of  this 
paper,  Rev.  Whitefoord  Smith  JMartin.  He  was  born  in  Greenville 
County,  S.  C,  June  ii,  1849.  His  honored  father,  Mr.  \\'.  H.  Mar- 
tin, is  one  of  the  most  devoted  and  devout  Methodists  in  South  Caro- 
lina.    His  mother,  !Mrs.  Elizabeth  Smith  ]\Iartin,  was  the  daughter 


of  Rev.  Barney  Smith,  who  was  a  member  of  the  South  Carolina 
Conference  for  twelve  years  in  the  time  when  Dr.  Stephen  Olin  was 
teaching  and  preachiiig  in  and  around  Cokesbury.  This  maternal 
grandfather  did  much  toward  establishing  Methodism  in  the  upper 
part  of  the  State, 

Having  been  born  in  a  home  which  was  pervaded  with  a  pure 
religious  atmosphere,  it  was  natural  for  young  Martin  to  early 
give  himself  to  the  Lord.  This  he  did  and  joined  the  Church  at 
old  Bethel  Camp  Ground  when  he  was  only  five  years  of  age.  He 
was  reared  on  his  father's  farm  in  Laurens  County,  having  the  usual 
work  of  a  farmer's  boy.  He  had  access  to  such  schools  as  the 
county  afiforded,  of  which  he  made  good  use,  attending  as  regularly 
as  circvmistances  permitted  until  he  was  twenty  years  old.  Un- 
satisfied with  his  intellectual  attainments,  and  with  a  burning- desire 
for  a  larger  and  better  equipment  for  life's  work,  he  matriculated  at 
Woflford  College,  graduating  in  June,  1875. 

In  December,   1875,   Brother  ^Martin   joined  the  South  Carolina 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches.  211 

Conference,  J.  \V.  Ariail,  T.  P.  Phillips  and  A.  C.  Walker  joining  at 
the  same  session.  Thus,  for  a  quarter  of  a  century  he  has  heen 
traveling  over  the  State  and  serving  the  Church  on  circuits  and  sta- 
tions. During  this  time  he  has  served  on  various  Committees  and 
Boards,  always  ready  to  speak  his  mind  on  any  subject.  He  is  a 
good  conversationalist,  and  is  pleasant  in  the  social  circle.  He  has 
ever  been  a  great  debater,  and  nothing  pleases  him  better  than  for 
some  one  to  spring  a  question  for  discussion  and  let  him  take  one 
side  while  a  capable  and  worthy  opponent  takes  the  other.  As  a 
preacher  he  is  original  and  forceful.  He  does  not  care  to  follow 
old  beaten  paths  of  theological  discussion,  but  loves  to  mark  out 
new  paths  and  search  for  the  truth. 

After  a  lengthy  and  exceedingly  interesting  courtship,  in  which 
he  had  much  rivalry  and  great  anxiety.  Brother  jNIartin  was  suc- 
cessful in  winning  the  hand  and  heart  of  j\Iiss  Ver^Ielle  C.  Brock- 
ington,  of  Kingstree,  S.  C,  one  of  the  fairest  and  most  popular  young 
ladies  of  Williamsburg  County.  They  were  married  .^larch  15, 
1877.  Six  children  have  been  born  unto  them — three  boys  and  three 
girls. 


212 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


REV.  E.  W.  MASON. 

The  Rev.  Edward  Whitfield  ]Mason,  son  of  Washington  N.  and 
Sarah  K.  Mason,  was  born  in  Fairfield  County,  S.  C,  February  15, 
1857.     His  education  began  in  the  school  at  Horeb  Church.     He 


also  studied  a  year  in  Winnsboro,  and  spent  two  and  a  half  years 
at  Wofford  College. 

During  his  boyhood  the  impression  of  preaching  was  on  him.  It 
took  a  singular  form :  he  would  preach  with  great  seriousness  the 
funeral  of  dogs  and  cats  that  died  on  the  farm.  When  in  College 
the  duty  was  so  strongly  impressed  that  he  decided  to  yield,  but  later 
"shrank  from  it  and  hid  on  a  farm."  A  little  after  his  marriage 
the  Lord  called  again  and,  having  found  no  peace  in  holding  back, 
he  decided  to  obey,  and  was  licensed  in  1889.  In  December,  1890, 
he  entered  the  South  Carolina  Conference,  in  which  his  appoint- 
ments have  been:  1891-2-3-4,  Donalds  Circuit;  1895-6-7-8,  Lowndes- 
ville  Station;  1899-1900,  Lynchburg;  1901,  Waterloo.  It  is  not 
often  that  a  young  minister  begins  his  career  with  two  full  quad- 
renniums  in  his  first  two  charges.  So  it  was  in  this  case.  And 
the  removal  from  Lynchburg  after  two  successful  years  was 
onlv  made  because  of  ill  health,  of  which  he  is  now  much  recovered. 
With  such  a  record,  it  is  hardly  necessary  to  say  that  our  brother 
had  success  in  all  of  his  charges.     At  Lowndesville  he  held  a  meet- 


TwEXTiKTH  Century  Sketches.  213 

ing  of  unusual  graciousness ;  the  fruits  thereof  were  great  and  en- 
during. 

He  married  Miss  Mantha  R.  Robertson,  the  youngest  daughter  of 
S.  G.  and  M.  A.  Robertson,  of  Fairfield  County.  She  has  been  a 
faithful  helpmeet  to  him.  There  were  born  to  them  two  sons — 
Ralph  W.  and  Edward  R.  Mason. 

Brother  Mason  is  a  man  of  good  judgment,  clear  views,  high 
sense  of  honor,  courage  of  conviction,  tolerance  towards  others,  in- 
dustry, energy,  perseverance — the  kind  of  man  who  impresses  fa- 
vorably at  first,  and  then  deepens  that  opinion  steadily.  As  a 
Christian,  he  is  earnest,  consistent,  steadfast — judging  himself  more 
closely  than  he  does  others.  He  is  a  pastor  and  friend  of  his  people 
— genuine!}'  interested  in  all  that  concern  them ;  most  interested  in 
their  spiritual  welfare.  He  preaches  well-studied,  sensible,  impres- 
sive sermons — cast  in  form  intended  to  win  sinners  and  encourage 
saints,  and  uttered  with  the  help  of  the  Holy  Spirit.  He  is  a  work- 
man not  only  in  his  study  but  in  the  larger  field  where  man  meets 
man.  God  honors  his  labors,  and  there  are  many  whom  he  has,  by 
Divine  blessing,  turned  to  righteousness. 


214 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


REV.  W.  A.  MASSEBEAU. 

Rev.  William  Augustus  Massebeau  was  born  in  the  itinerancy. 
The  place  of  his  birth  was  the  parsonage  of  the  Spartanburg  Cir- 
cuit, located  near  Spartanburg,  S.  C,  and  the  date  of  his  birth  July 
13,  1866.  His  father  was  the  Rev.  John  B.  Massebeau  who  was  for 
twenty-six  years  a  faithful  and  honored  member  of  the  South  Car- 


olina Conference  and  who  died  at  Branchville,  S.  C,  August  25, 
1884.  His  mother's  maiden  name  was  Miss  Jailey  E.  Alexander,  of 
Yorkville,  S.  C.  Born  of  such  parentage,  the  subject  of  this  sketch 
could  not  but  have  in  him  a  fine  moral  fibre  and  sterling  qualities.  He 
was  blessed  with  a  good  Christain  home  and  he  ever  reflects  great 
honor  upon  it. 

After  the  usual  schooling  of  childhood,  he  entered  the  prepara- 
tory department  of  Wofford  College  in  October,  1883.  Having  suc- 
cessfully finished  the  work  of  the  preparatory  department,  he  en- 
tered the  freshman  class  of  the  college  and  graduated  from  the  insti- 
tvition  in  June,  1889.  After  his  graduation,  Brother  Massebeau 
taught  school  at  Smithville,  Sumter  County,  for  a  period  of  two 
years.  After  this  he  was  elected  principal  of  Hebron  Academy, 
Darlington  County,  where  he  remained  two  years.  His  teaching 
gave  great  satisfaction. 

Feeling  the  divine  call  to  preach  the  Gospel,  Brother  Massebeau 
laid  down  the  noble  work  of  teaching  for  the  nobler  work  of  the  min- 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


215 


istrv.  He  was  admitted  into  the  South  Carolina  Conference  at  the  ses- 
sion held  in  Sumter,  S.  C,  November,  1893,  with  L.  L.  Bedenbaugh, 
J.  A.  Campbell,  T.  Grigsby  Herbert,  Russell  E.  Mood,  G.  Edwin 
Stokes,  J.  Barr  Harris  and  Peter  Stokes.  He  has  very  acceptably 
served  the  following  charges:  Ridgeville  Circuit,  1894-7;  Grace 
Church,  Union,  1 898-1 901. 

On  Tnne  3,  1890,  Brother  Massebeau  was  happily  married  to  Miss 
Rosa  Olivia  Carson  of  Orangeburg  County,  S.  C.  They  have  two 
children — ^Nlabel  Ruth,  seven  years  old,  and  ]\Iaud  Esther,  three 
years  old. 

The  subject  of  this  paper  is  one  of  our  most  promising  young 
preachers.  Thoroughly  equipped  physically,  mentally  and  si)iritu- 
allv,  he  has  entered  upon  a  career  of  useful  service  and  one  destined 
to  be  crowned  with  abundant  success.  He  is  a  close  student,  good 
worker,  diligent  pastor  and  excellent  preacher. 


REV.  J.  K.  McCAIN. 

Rev.  John  Kelly  :\IcCain  was  born  in  Abbeville  County,  Feb.  22, 
1839.     His  parents  were  William  L.  and  Emily  McCain,  of  Scotch- 


Irish  descent  and  were  Methodists  of  the  old  type.  Brother  McCain 
was  born  and  reared  on  the  farm,  and  in  the  home  of  his  parents, 
there  was  a  living  family  altar,  from  which  ascended  the  morning 


2i6  Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 

and  evening  sacrifices  of  grateful  prayer  and  praise-  to  the  throne  of 
heaven.  This  home  was  critically  guarded  against  all  impure  liter- 
ature. He  was  educated  in  the  common  schools  of  the  country. 
The  longest  term  spent  in  school  was  at  Buffalo,  Abbeville  County. 
He  learned  much  of  the  Bible  in  the  Sunday  School  when  "Long 
King's"  questions  compelled  him  to  search  out  the  answers. 

He  was  first  married  to  Miss  Sarah  Reynolds,  of  Edgefield  County, 
S.  C,  Jan.  5,  i860.  Two  sons  were  born  to  this  union,  John  C.  and 
Arthur  A.  McCain.  His  second  marriage  was  to  Miss  Fannie  A. 
Henry,  of  Richland,  S.  C,  Sept.  20th,  1872.  By  this  union  six  chil- 
dren were  born — ^^'illiam  H.,  Frank  P.,  A.  Thornton,  P.  Rembert, 
IMinnie  Laurens  and  Nannie  Emma  ]\IcCain. 

When  eighteen  years  of  age  he  felt  a  clear,  peculiar  and  irresistible 
conviction  that  it  was  the  will  and  purpose  of  God  that  he  should 
preach  the  Gospel  to  dying  men,  but  strange  to  say  he  did  resist  it, 
and  fought  against  it,  Jonah-like.  In  his  attempted  escape  from 
God  and  duty  he  enlisted  as  a  Confederate  soldier  in  Company  K, 
Fifteenth  Regiment,  S.  C.  V.,  in  August,  1861,  and  was  severely 
wounded  in  the  second  battle  of  ^lanassas,  28th  August,  1862. 
When  falling  on  the  battlefield  this  same  conviction,  which  refused 
to  be  stifled  and  hushed  by  the  demoralizing  effects  of  war,  was 
heard  to  speak  in  convicting  and  commanding  tones :  "Will  you  go 
and  preach,  now?"  When  the  war  closed  and  while  he  continued 
to  dallv  with  this  awful  conviction,  God  took  to  heaven  two  of  his 
children  and  his  devoted  wife.  It  was  under  this  dark  cloud  that 
he  was  made  to  feel,  "\^'oe  is  me  if  I  preach  not  the  Gospel  of 
Christ"  and  gave  himself  over  wholly  to  this  work.  At  this  oppor- 
tune time  his  former  pastor  said  "yield"  or  else  God  will  destroy 
thee  and  here  the  consecration  was  made.  Since  he  entered  the  Con- 
ference in  1871  he  has  not  missed  one  of  his  Quarterly  Conferences, 
he  has  attended  every  one  of  his  District  Conferences  and  has  missed 
but  one  session  of  the  Annual  Conference.  He  has  filled  nearly  all 
of  his  own  appointments  and  has  never  left  his  charge  for  rest  or 
recreation  or  pleasure. 

He  has  served  the  following  charges  in  the  order :  Richland  Cir- 
cuit, 1872-73:  Reidville  Circuit,  1874-75-76-77:  Laurens  Circuit 
1878-79-80;  Jonesville  Circuit,  1881-82:  Fairfield  Circuit,  1883-84- 
85-86;  Pendleton  Circuit,  1887:  Darlington  Circuit,  1888-89-90; 
Batesburg  Circuit,  1891-92:  Providence  Circuit.  1893-94:  Branch- 
ville  Circuit,  1895:  North  Mullins  Circuit,  1896-97-98-99;  North 
Laurens,  1900. 

May  the  Master  be  pleased  to  say.  "Well  done!"  when  the  end 
comes.  All  these  years  Brother  McCain  has  maintained  a  clean 
record  and  his  work  has  been  crowned  with  success.  He  patiently 
labors  on. 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


217 


REV.  ELI  M.  McKISSICK. 

Rev.  Eli  Murkerson  [NIcKissick  was  born  June  20,  1852.  He  is 
the  son  of  Mr.  Eli  McKissick  and  Mrs.  Clarsey  McKissick,  originally 
of  INIarion  County,  S.  C,  but  now  of  Elorence  County. 

He  was  educated  at  Mars  Bluff  Academy,  Mars  Bluff,  S.  C,  under 
such  teachers  as  Professors  Scott  and  Clavton.     He  resided  with  his 


father  while  attending  school,  and  also  afterwards  until  1872,  when 
he  went  to  Georgia.  Some  of  the  time  while  with  his  father  he  was 
engaged  in  farming.  He  was  converted  at  the  age  of  thirteen  years, 
under  Christian  parents,  Rev.  J.  B.  Campbell  being  the  pastor  at  the 
time.  When  fourteen  years  old  he  felt  called  of  God  to  the  work 
of  the  ministry.  As  stated  above,  he  moved  to  Georgia  in  1872.  In 
Julv  of  that  year  he  was  licensed  to  exhort.  In  Tunc,  1874,  he  was 
licensed  to  preach.  Rev.  George  Yarborough,  of  the  Xorth  Georgia 
Conference,  being  the  Presiding  Elder.  He  served  as  a  supply  on 
the  Okmulgee  Circuit,  in  Georgia,  for  the  years  1875-8.  He  moved 
back  to  South  Carolina  in  1879. 

Brother  ]\IcKissick  felt  moved  to  enter  the  regular  ministry,  and 
there  being  an  opening  for  him  in  the  Methodist  Protestant  Church, 
he  entered  the  work  under  the  auspices  of  that  denomination.  After 
eight  vears  of  faithful  service  in  that  Church  he  was  prevailed  upon 
to  take  work  in  the  South  Carolina  Conference,  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church,  South.     He  was  received  at  the  session  of  the  Conference 


2i8  Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


held  at  Darlington,  S.  C,  December,  1891,  Bishop  John  C.  Cranberry 
presiding.  He  has  served  as  follows  since  his  admission :  Blue 
Ridge  Mission,  1892-3;  South  Branchville  Circuit,  1894;  Cypress 
Circuit,  1895-7;  Harleyville  Circuit,  1898-1900;  Ehrhardt  Cir- 
cuit, 1901.  While  on  the  Blue  Ridge  Mission  he  built  three 
new  churches  and  added  one  hundred  to  the  membership.  On 
South  Branchville  he  added  one  hundred  and  twenty-five.  On 
Cypress,  ninety-five  were  added,  and  at  Harleyville,  over  one  hun- 
dred.    Here  he  also  bought  a  new  parsonage  and  furnished  it. 

So  we  see  that  our  good  brother's  labors  have  been  owned  and 
blessed  of  God  to  the  salvation  of  souls  and  the  advancement  of  the 
Church.  He  is  a  good  revivalist,  preaching  a  plain,  simple  Gospel, 
which  goes  with  power  to  the  hearts  of  the  people.  All  the  interests 
of  the  Church  are  carefully  looked  after  by  him. 

Our  brother  has  been  married  twice.  He  was  married  on  Novem- 
ber 27,  1869,  to  Aliss  Ellen  Fountain.  His  second  marriage  was  to 
:\Iiss  Hester  Palston.  on  August  12,  1872.  The  following  are  the 
names  of  their  children ;  John  Mack,  James  Thomas.  Eli  ]\Iatthew, 
Mattie  Belle,  Ellen,  Lula,  William  Oscar,  James  Harmon,  Willie, 
Corinne,  Irene  and  Harry. 


REV.  D.  MELVIN  McLEOD. 

The  South  Carolina  Conference  is  blessed  with  a  large  and  con- 
stantly increasing  class  of  young  men  who.  when  called  to  preach, 
realized  that  it  meant  a  call  to  prepare  to  preach,  and  who.  accord- 
inglv  took  time  and  expended  money  and  labor  sufficient  to  thorough- 
ly equip  themselves  for  the  arduous  duties  of  the  itinerant  life.  To 
this  class  belongs  the  subject  of  this  paper.  Rev.  Daniel  Melvin  ]Mc- 
Leod.  He  is  the  son  of  Capt.  \\'.  J.  ^IcLeod  and  Mrs.  Amanda 
Rogers  ]McLeod.  and  was  born  October  i.  1866. 

He  received  his  preparatory  training  in  the  school  at  his  home — 
Lynchburg,  S.  C.  From  here  he  went  to  Wofford  College,  where  he 
graduated  in  June.  1890.  Then,  realizing  fully  his  call  to  the  min- 
istrv.  and  yielding  himself  to  the  Divine  influence,  he  went  to  Van- 
derioilt  University,  where  he  spent  two  years  in  the  Theological  De- 
partment, graduating  in  the  English  course. 

Brother  McLeod  was  converted  while  at  college,  in  1899.  It  was 
then  that  he  fully  surrendered  himself  to  the  Lord  for  the  work  of 
the  ministry.  He  was  licensed  to  preach  in  1890  by  the  Quarterly 
Conference  of  Lynchburg  Circuit,  Rev.  J.  S.  Beasley  being  the  Pre- 
siding Elder  and  Rev.  E.  Olin  Watson  being  the  preacher  in  charge. 

At  the  session  of  the  Conference  held  in  the  city  of  Charleston, 
November,  1892,  Brother  :\IcLeod  was  received  on  trial.  E.  H.  Beck- 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches.  219 

ham,  G.  F.  Clarkson,  T-  L.  Daniel.  R.  M.  DuBose,  O.  L.  DuRant, 
S.  W.  Henrv,  E.  P.  Hutson.  P.  B.  Ingraham,  J.  N.  Isom,  W.  B. 
Justus,  A.  S!  Lesley,  W.  H.  Miller,  E.  K.  J^Ioore,  R.  C.  McRoy,  A. 
R.  Phillips,  J.  J.  Stevenson,  R.  \\'.  Spinner,  T.  J.  White,  \V.  B. 
Wharton,  and  \\'.  E.  Wiggins  joining  with  him.  He  has  served  as 
follows:  Junior  preacher  on  Sumter  Circuit,  1893:  Oswego  Circuit, 
1894;  Aiken  Station,  1895-6;  Cheraw  Station,  1897-8;  Blacksburg 
Station,  1 899-1 901.  The  Lord  has  granted  him  success  in  these 
charges,  and  he  has  been  zealous  in  labors.  He  preaches  good  ser- 
mons and  is  ever  on  the  alert  for  the  best  interests  of  the  people. 

While  winning  souls  for  Christ  at  Blacksburg,  Brother  McLeod 
won  at  least  one  heart  for  himself,  and  he  and  Miss  Bertie  E.  Guyton, 
of  that  place,  were  married  January  10,  1900,  Rev.  William  A.  Rog- 
ers performing  the  ceremony. 


REV.  ROBERT  C.  McROY. 

Rev.  Robert  Coburn  McRoy.  son  of  Rev.  John  W.  McRoy,  and 
grandson  of  Rev.  John  R.  Coburn.  both  of  whom  were  for  many 
years  faithful  ministers  of  the  South  Carolina  Conference,  was  born 
at  Goshen  Hill,  Union  County,  S.  C,  March  18,  1870. 

After  the  usual  home  training  and  primary  schooling,  he  attended 
the  Fort  ]\Iill  High  School  for  three  years,  under  the  tutelage  of 
Professors  A.  R.  Banks  and  J.  H.  Boyd.  Having  received  a 
thorough  training  here,  he  entered  W^offord  College  and  spent  four 
years  there,  thus  receiving  an  extended  intellectual  equipment  for  the 
work  of  life. 

In  November,  1892.  Brother  ]\IcRoy  joined  the  South  Carolina 
Conference  at  Charleston.  S.  C  E.  H.  Beckham.  George  F.  Clark- 
son,  Joseph  L.  Dawiel,  R.  M.  DuBose,  Olin  L.  DuRant,  Shala  W. 
Henrv.  E.  P.  Hutson,  P.  B.  Ingraham,  John  N.  Isom.  W.  B.  Justus, 
A.  S.'  Leslev,  W.  H.  Miller.  E.  K.  Moore,  D.  ^f.  AfcLeod,  A.  R. 
Phillips.  J.  j.  Stevenson,  R.  W.  Spigner,  T.  J.  \\*hite,  \\\  B.  Whar- 
ton and  W.  E.  Wiggins  joining  at  the  same  time. 

Brother  McRoy  has  served  the  following  charges:  Lexington. 
Barnwell,  Donalds,  Waterloo,  Edgewood,  Edgefield,  Springfield 
and  Kershaw. 

In  these  various  charges  our  young  friend  has  had  success.  He  is 
an  honest  worker  and  a  faithful  man  of  God.  He  is  a  close  student, 
and  is  constantly  growing  in  intellectual  attainment  as  well  as  in 
spiritual  development. 

At  this  writing  he  still  tarries  in  the  land  of  "single  blessed- 
ness" (  ?),  his  home  being  kept  by  liis  step-mother,  Mrs.  Lizzie  Cade 
jMcRov. 


220  Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 

REV.  WM.  PASCAL  MEADORS. 

Rev.  Wm.  Pascal  Meadors,  son  of  Pascal  Motley  and  Sarah  Miller 
Meadors,  was  born  in  Laurens  County,  May  15th,  1854.  He  was 
educated  in  the  common  and  high  schools  of  his  neighborhood  and 
county  and  in  the  stern  school  of  practical  life.  Besides,  he  has  been 
a  reader  and  student  all  of  his  life. 

He  joined  the  Church  in  the  spring  of  1874,  was  licensed  Nov. 
nth,  1876,  was  admitted  on  trial  in  the  South  Carolina  Conference 
at  Chester,  December,  1876,  and  has  made  full  proof  of  his  ministry 
ever  since.  He  served  one  year  on  a  mission,  sixteen  on  circuits, 
one  on  a  station  and  six  on  districts. 

He  has  been  twice  married,  first  to  ]Miss  Kate  Boyce  English,  of 
Union  County,  and  last  to  Miss  Janie  Belle  Hutchison,  of  Abbeville 
County.  Two  girls  and  four  boys  are  the  living  children,  all  of  this 
last  union.    "Little  Paul"  entered  unto  rest  Sept.  13th,  1899. 

Brother  Meadors  is  a  man  of  fine  judgment,  clear  insight  into 
men  and  things,  and  of  decided  disposition.  It  is  never  difficult  to 
know  what  he  thinks  or  where  he  stands.  He  is  true  to  himself, 
his  friends,  his  Church  and  to  all  duties.  He  is  a  careful  student 
of  the  Bible,  well  posted  on  Methodism  and  its  polity  and  doctrines. 
His  preaching  is  orthodox  and  strong.  He  makes  little  or  no  effort 
at  the  embellishment  of  his  messages  ;  he  depends  upon  the  truth  and 
the  power  of  the  Spirit  to  accomplish  results ;  nor  is  he  disappointed. 
He  is  peculiarly  fitted  for  district  work.  In  stationing  the  preachers, 
his  judgment  is  always  to  be  depended  upon.  In  working  a  district 
through  the  year,  he  is  indefatigable.  While  God  has  blessed  him 
in  all  of  his  ministry,  he  has  been  peculiarly  successful  in  the  re- 
sponsible position  of  a  Presiding  Elder. 

As  a  man.  Brother  Meadors  is  faithful  and  friendly.  He  has  the 
grace  and  nerve  to  counsel  a  friend  who  is  making  a  mistake,  and  to 
stand  by  one  who  needs  support.  As  a  Christian,  he  is  definite,  de- 
cided, fixed  in  mind  and  heart.  His  soul  is  stayed  upon  God,  his 
powers  are  devoted  to  God.  In  a  word,  he  is  a  strong  man  and 
true,  in  all  things  and  everywhere. 


Twentieth  Cextury  Sketches. 


221 


REV.  EDWARD  M.  MERRITT. 

Rev.  Edward  ^Madison  Merritt,  son  of  Mr.  Allen  O.  and  Dorcas 
A.  Merritt,  was  born  !March  31,  1846,  in  Greenville  County,  S.  C. 

He  had  thorough  training-  in  the  schools  of  the  country,  pursuing 
his  studies  about  as  far  as  the  ordinary  teachers  could  conduct.  After 


leaving  school,  he  pursued  privately  such  studies  as  Philosophy, 
Chemistry,  Astronomy,  Geology  and  Mineralogy.  He  also  began 
Greek,  but  on  account  of  the  pressure  of  other  duties  was  compelled 
to  discontinue  this  branch. 

He  was  converted  and  joined  the  Church  at  the  age  of  fifteen 
vears.  At  the  age  of  twenty-one  years  he  realized  the  call  to  preach. 
It  was  sudden  and  unexpected,  yet  profound  and  unmistakable.  For 
four  long  years  he  struggled  with  the  problem,  trying  in  every  way 
to  evade  the  calk  But,  seeing  that  he  could  have  no  peace  of  con- 
science while  he  lived  in  open  disobedience  to  the  heavenly  vision,  he 
finallv  vielded  and  determined  to  give  himself  wholly  unto  the  Lord. 

Brother  INIerritt  was  received  into  the  South  Carolina  Conference 
in  December,  1874.  William  H.  Ariail.  J.  C.  Counts.  M.  M.  Ferguson, 
A.  W.  Jackson,  J.  J.  Neville,  J.  L.  Stokes,  S.  D.  Vaughan  and  W.  W. 
Williams  being  received  at  the  same  time.  He  has  served  as  fol- 
lows:  Kershaw  Circuit.  1875-6;  Pickens  Mission.  1877;  West- 
minster Circuit,  1878:  Belmont  Circuit.  1879.  At  the  close  of  the 
last  mentioned  vcar,  Brother  Merritt  was  compelled,  on  account  of 


222  Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 

failing  health,  to  ask  for  a  location,  which  was  granted.  As  a  local 
preacher,  however,  he  supplied  Kershaw  Circuit  one  year,  and 
Pickens  Mission  three  years.  In  November,  1890,  he  was  re-ad- 
mitted, and  has  since  served  the  following  charges :  West  Anderson 
Circuit,  1891 ;  Hartsville  Circuit,  1892.  At  this  time  he  transferred 
to  the  Western  North  Carolina  Conference  and  served  several 
charges  there  until  1898,  when  he  came  back  to  the  South  Carolina 
Conference  and  was  appointed  to  the  Bayboro  Circuit,  which  he 
served  until  the  recent  session  of  our  Conference,  when  he  was  sent 
to  McColl  Circuit  and  Mills. 

Brother  Merritt  was  first  married  to  Miss  Maria  Isabel  Elrod, 
daughter  of  Adam  Elrod,  Esq.,  of  Anderson  County,  S.  C.  Of  this 
marriage  two  children  were  born — Immogene  and  Harmon.  In  De- 
cember, 1874,  he  was  again  married  to  Amanda  A.  Durant,  daughter 
of  Mr.  John  O.  Durant,  of  Sumter  County,  S.  C.  Of  this  union  nine 
children  were  born,  the  following  seven  of  whom  are  living :  Edward 
O.,  Alma  R.,  Clarence  A.,  Davie  E.,  Stanly  O.,  Rosa  O.,  and  Hugh 
Bryan. 

In  all  these  years  our  good  brother  has  gone  along  quietly  and 
faithfully  doing  the  work  of  a  ]\Iethodist  preacher.  His  preaching 
has  resulted  in  the  salvation  of  scores,  and  his  pastoral  ministrations 
have  helped  hundreds  of  people  who  were  burdened.  He  is  popular, 
and  makes  manv  friends. 


TWKNTIETH   CliNTLKV    SKETCHES. 


223 


REV.  W.  H.  MILLER. 

Rev.  W.  H.  Miller  is  a  native  of  Tennessee.  He  was  born  in 
Cooke  County,  near  Xewport.  the  county  seat  of  that  county,  July 
18.  1850.  He  moved  to  South  Carolina  in  January.  1881,  and 
located  at  Union,  and  lived  there  until    18(^3.     His  education  was 


limited  to  the  common  schools  of  the  country,  only  spending  a  few 
months  at  a  hi,i;li  school  at  Morristown,  Tenn. 

He  has  been  twice  married — December  15,  1875,  to  Miss  Hattie 
A.  Harle,  of  Morristown,  Tenn..  who  died  December  2"/,  1891.  To 
them  were  born  two  children — Robt.  Harle,  now  living  at  Union, 
S.  C,  and  Xellie  Lou,  now  married  to  Mr.  D.  A.  Pless  and  living 
at  Morristown,  Tenn.  He  was  again  married  July  19,  1893,  to  Miss 
Dora  A.  Chamberlin.  of  Woodruff,  S.  C.  To  them  have  been  born 
three  children — John  .Morris,  Henry  l\ell\-  and  Sarah  Louise. 

Mr.  ]\Iiller  was  reared  on  a  farm,  and  followetl  the  business  of 
farming  and  dealing  in  horses  and  nniles  until  1892.  His  ancestry 
are  all  Baptists,  and  he  was  also  a  member  of  that  Church  for  a 
number  of  years.  In  October.  1886,  he  joined  the  Methodist  Church 
at  Union,  S.  C.  On  September  20.  1891,  he  was  licensed  to  preach 
by  the  Quarterly  Conference  for  Union  Station,  Rev.  J.  M.  Boyd, 
Presiding  Elder,  Geo.  Manotte,  Secretary,  and  Rev.  W.  L  Herbert. 
Pastor.  He  served  the  Jonesville  Circuit  the  year  1892  as  junior 
supplv  under  Rev.  D.  Tiller.     He  was  admitted  on  trial  into  the 


224  Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 

Conference  at  Charleston,  in  December,  1892,  and  was  appointed  to 
the  Enoree  Circuit,  serving  that  charge  four  years,  1892-96;  then 
the  Fairfield  Circuit,  two  years,  1896-98;  and  is  now  serving  the 
East  Chester  Circuit  the  second  year,  1899- 1900. 

His  life  and  ministry  are  living  illustrations  of  the  power  of 
Divine  grace.  Educational  advantages  limited,  for  years  a  trading 
man,  now  a  minister  of  the  New  Testament,  going  out  under  the 
authority  and  bearing  the  endorsement  of  a  great  Church.  "Humble 
yourselves  in  the  sight  of  the  Lord  and  He  shall  lift  you  up." 

jMr.  jMiller's  trust  for  success  is  not  in  worldy  things,  but  in  the 
power  of  God.  The  Lord  honors  the  faith  of  this  devoted  servant, 
and  rewards  his  labors. 


REV.  R.  E.  MOOD. 

Russell  Easterling  Mood  was  born  in  Georgetown,  S.  C.  His 
father  was  the  late  Rev.  John  A.  Mood,  of  the  South  Carolina 
Conference ;  his  mother  was  Miss  ]\Iary  Catherine  Easterling, 
daughter  of  John  R.  Easterling,  of  Georgetown  County. 

The  first  school  which  he  attended  was  the  Bennettsville  Academy, 
under  the  able  management  of  Prof,  and  ]\Jrs.  John  G.  Moore.  He 
had  previously  learned  to  read  at  home,  from  the  English  Bible, 
and  also  to  write. 

He  is  a  graduate  of  Woft'ord  College,  having  spent,  after  gradua- 
tion, several  years  in  teaching.  He  was  principal  of  the  Blenheim 
High  School  for  one  year,  this  being  his  first  school.  He  then  was 
elected  principal  of  the  Bamberg  Graded  School,  in  which  capacity 
he  served  several  years,  going  from  there  to  the  principalship  of  the 
St.  George's  Collegiate  Institute. 

Having  been  elected  principal  of  the  Summerton  High  School, 
he  took  charge  of  it  and  served  it  several  years.  Previous  to  his 
entrance  into  the  ministry  he  taught  the  L^nion  Academy,  Darling- 
ton County,  and  was  a  member  of  the  Board  of  County  Examiners. 
It  was  here  he  obtained  license  to  preach  in  1893. 

Before  entrance,  he  proceeded  to  Marion  County  and  taught  the 
school  at  Dothan,  being  successor  to  Prof.  W.  E.  Willis,  of  the 
Bamberg  Fitting  School.  He  obtained  recommendation  to  the  An- 
nual Conference  from  the  Blenheim  Circuit,  he  holding  his  member- 
ship at  Parnassus  Church,  where  his  name  is  doubtless  now  enrolled. 

He  was  converted  before  entering  Wofford,  and  during  the  year 
he  taught,  it  was  his  constant  endeavor  to  keep  the  faith.  His  aim 
was  to  be*a  Christian  educator,  and  to  cultivate  the  entire  person- 
ality of  his  pupils.  His  call  to  preach  was  sometime  prior  to  his 
obtaining  of  license.  In  fact,  this  vocation  rested  upon  his  conscience 
even  in  childhood. 

He  was  admitted  into  the  Conference  in  1893  at  Sumter. 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


2.2' 


REV.  E.  K.  MOORE. 

Edward  Kirk  Moore  was  born  in  Yorkville.  S.  C,  on  the  23rd  of 
February,  1865.  He  is  the  youngest  son  of  Edward  Moore,  of  York- 
ville, S.  C,  and  Emily  Kirk,  of  Bluffton,  S.  C. 

His  father,  a  prominent  member  of  the  Yorkville  bar,  and  also  a 


member  of  the  Legislature  when  the  Civil  War  commenced,  en- 
listed at  the  beginning  of  hostilities,  and  was  first  lieutenant,  Co.  K, 
5th  Cavalry,  S.  C.  V.  He  gave  his  life  for  the  cause  he  loved  on  one 
of  the  bloody  fields  of  Virginia,  eight  months  before  the  birth  of  the 
subject  of  this  sketch,  and  is  buried  at  Ebenezer  Presbyterian 
Church,  in  Y^ork  County,  of  which  church  he  was  long  a  consistent 
member. 

Emily  Kirk  is  the  only  daughter  of  Dr.  John  William  Kirk,  M.  D., 
who  lived  on  his  plantation  on  the  Colleton  River,  in  Beaufort 
County,  S.  C,  and  combined  with  his  profession  the  then  lucrative 
occupation  of  raising  sea  island  cotton. 

While  still  a  young  lad.  Brother  Moore  was  sent  for  two  years  to 
the  Bunker  Hill  Institute,  in  Bunker  Hill,  111.  The  next  year  of 
study  w^as  spent  in  Augusta,  Kentucky,  and  the  remainder  of  his 
education  was  received  at  the  Porter  Academy,  in  Charleston,  S.  C. 

For  the  next  five  years  he  followed  the  profession  of  a  civil  en- 
gineer in  South  Carolina,  North  Carolina  and  Georgia. 

On  the  28th  of  June,  1888,  he  was  married  to  Miss  Willie  Emma 

15— S. 


226  Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 

Buchanan,  the  only  child  of  the  Rev.  W.  R.  Buchanan,  a  local  Elder 
of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  South,  who  lived  at  Cokesbury, 
S.  C,  and  soon  thereafter  they  removed  to  Rose  Hill,  the  Kirk  plan- 
tation, in  Beaufort  County,  with  the  intention  of  making  this  their 
permanent  home.  Two  years  later  he  transferred  his  Church  mem- 
bership from  the  Church  of  the  Holy  Communion,  in  Charleston,  of 
which  he  had  been  a  member  for  eight  years,  to  St.  Luke's  Church, 
on  the  Hardeeville  Circuit,  and  immediately  took  an  active  part  in 
its  work.  Here  he  was  called  to  the  itinerancy  and  entered  the 
South  Carolina  Conference  at  Charleston,  in  1892.  His  first  ap- 
pointment was  to  the  Santuc  charge,  in  Spartanburg  District,  where 
he  remained  one  year.  His  next  charge  was  the  Berkeley  Circuit, 
in  the  Charleston  District,  where  he  remained  three  years.  Next  he 
was  sent  to  the  Round  O  Circuit,  where  he  also  spent  three  years. 
From  thence  he  was  appointed  to  the  Hampton  Circuit,  which  he 
serves  at  present. 

Brother  Moore  is  the  worthy  product  of  a  long  line  of  cultured 
ancestry,  and  a  man  just  and  fearless  in  all  of  his  dealings  with  his 
fellow  men ;  in  every  sense  a  manly  man,  esteemed  and  respected 
both  for  his  sterling  qualities  and  his  clear  and  forceful  intellect. 

He  is  eminent  as  one  of  those  earnest,  loyal  men  in  whose  hands 
the  most  sacred  interests  of  the  Church  are  entirely  safe.  In  the 
pulpit,  as  in  private  life,  his  manner  is  quiet  and  unostentatious,  and 
he  is  ever  careful  to  keep  his  religious  profession  within  the  bounds 
of  his  experience.  His  preaching  is  always  clear  and  forceful,  and 
full  of  trenchant  thought. 

It  has  been  my  privilege  to  know  intimately  the  subject  of  this 
sketch  for  many  years,  and  I  have  never  known  a  more  loyal 
Christian,  or  a  man  of  higher  principle,  or  clearer  intellect,  and  the 
cup  of  the  future  is  brimming  with  appreciation  of  his  fine  qualities, 
borh  as  a  man  and  a  preacher. 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


227 


REV.  THOS.  E.  MORRIS. 

•   Rev.  Thomas  Edward  Morris,  son  of  John  J.  and  Sarah  Morris, 
was  born  December  30,  1855. 

He  received  due  primary  educational  training  m  the  usual  schools 
of  the  country,  after  which  he  spent    two    years    at  the  Cokesbury 


Conference  School  where,  by  hard  study,  he  laid  a  good  foundation 
for  culture  and  intellectual  training.  Upon  that  foundation  he  has 
been  building  all  these  years. 

From  early  childhood.  Brother  Morris  felt  called  to  preach.  He 
struggled  with  the  problem  for  several  years,  not  that  he  did  not 
want  to  preach  but  feared  to  rush  into  a  work  so  sacred  and  one 
fraught  with  such  fearful  responsibilities.  He  feared  the  awful 
consequence  of  "offering  strange  fire"  on  God's  altar.  But  finally 
God  thoroughly  convinced  him  that  it  was  his  imperative  duty  to 
preach  and  that  to  neglect  it  would  be  at  the  peril  of  his  soul.  Then 
he  placed  himself  upon  the  altar  and  consecrated  his  powers  to  the 
service  of  Christ  Jesus. 

In  1879,  Brother  Morris  served  as  a  supply  (junior  preacher)  on 
the  West  Marion  Circuit  where  his  "gifts  and  graces"  were  tested. 
He  was  admitted  on  trial  in  December  of  that  year,  his  Conference 
classmates  being:  J.  \\'altcr  Daniel,  J.  M.  Friday,  P.  A.  Murray  and 
William  H.  Wroton.  His  lalx^rs  have  been  distributed  as  follows: 
Junior  preacher  on  Johnsonvile  Circuit,  1880;  junior  preacher  on 


228  Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 

Mullins  Circuit,  i88i ;  North  Marlboro,  1882;  Conway  Station,  1883- 
4;  Bamberg  Circuit,  1885-6;  Marion  Street,  Columbia,  1887;  Lau- 
rens Station,  1888-91 ;  Union  Station,  1892-5 ;  Spring  Street, 
Charleston,  1896;  Marion  Station,  1897-1900.  At  the  recent  session 
of  the  Conference  he  was  appointed  to  Chester  Station,  where  he  has 
entered  auspiciously  upon  his  work,  and  no  doubt  the  usual  success 
will  attend  his  labors  there. 

Brother  Morris  is  an  excellent  preacher  and  popular  pastor.  His 
ministry  is  effective  and  he  ever  gains  a  strong  hold  on  the  love  and 
esteem  of  his  people.  He  loves  them  and  they  reciprocate  his  inter- 
est and  esteem. 

On  November  10,  1880,  our  good  brother,  feeling,  like  Paul,  that 
he  "had  a  right  to  lead  about  a  wife,"  was  married  to  Miss  Belle 
McCalvian,  of  Richmond  County,  N.  C.  She  is  not  only  his  wife 
but  his  valued  helper  in  the  work  of  the  Lord. 


REV.  HENRY  COGSWELL  MOUZON. 

The  Rev.  Henry  Cogswell  Mouzon,  son  of  the  late  Rev.  and  Mrs. 
Wm.  P.  Mouzon,  was  born  in  district  parsonage,  Charleston,  Feb. 
5th,  1859.  He  attended  with  profit  the  schools  in  the  cities  and 
towns  where  his  father's  appointments  fixed  his  home.  Yearning 
for  a  complete  education,  he  went  to  work  to  make  the  necessary 
money.  Just  as  he  had  laid  up  enough  to  warrant  his  going  to  col- 
lege his  father  died.  There  was  no  property  left — save  the  rich 
heritage  of  a  stainless  life,  a  pure,  noble  character,  and  words  and 
deeds  of  which  the  world  was  not  worthy.  What  now  must  be 
done?  Henry  did  not  hesitate  a  moment.  Yielding  from  his  cher- 
ished purpose,  he  used  his  money  in  caring  for  his  widowed  mother 
and  his  sisters.  This  unselfish  deed  never  seemed  to  him  an  unusual 
thing.  His  self-denial  was  a  duty  gladly  welcomed.  And  so  it  has 
been  ever  since.  Humble,  unselfish,  loving,  are  what  men  may 
surely  expect  of  Henry  Mouzon. 

Called  to  preach,  he  was  licensed  and  entered  the  South  Carolina 
Conference  in  November,  1888.  His  appointments  have  been:  1889,. 
Prosperity,  S.  C. ;  1890,  Reevesville;  1891,  Berkeley;  1892-1893, 
Walhalla;  1894-95,  Port  Royal;  1896,  Hardeeville;  1897-98-99-1900, 
Colleton ;  now  Ehrhardt  Circuit. 

To  every  appointment  he  went  willingly,  and  in  every  charge  he 
labored  faithfully  and  successfully.  If  ever  he  even  desired — much 
less  sought — what  men  call  "better  fields"  the  writer,  with  good  op- 
portunity to  know,  never  heard  of  it. 

Brother  Mouzon  is  a  man  of  unusual  modesty,  yet  where  duty 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches.  229 

calls  he  never  hesitates  to  go,  and  to  do.  He  is  quiet,  almost  re- 
served— more  ready  to  hear  than  to  speak.  He  guards  his  lips  from 
the  taint  of  evil  speaking,  and  gives  them  to  kindly,  charitable  and 
friendly  speech.  Clean  and  pure  in  life  and  word  himself,  he  does 
not  suspect  others.  His  experience  in  religion  is  as  clear  as  a  sun- 
beam; and  his  life-walk  is  steadfast. 

As  a  preacher  he  is  orthodox.  New  fancies  do  not  go  into  his 
pulpit.  The  old  gospel,  the  changeless  gospel,  is  his  theme.  His 
sermons  are  well  studied,  plain  and  practical.  His  delivery  is 
earnest  and  tender.  The  Holy  Spirit  is  his  reliance,  and  that  never 
fails.  As  a  pastor  he  is  sympathetic,  exhibiting  more  in  deed  than 
in  word. 

On  26th  April,  1893,  he  married  Miss  Mamie  L.  Varnedoe,  of 
Ridgeville,  S.  C,  who  has  been  the  light  of  his  home  and  the  helper 
of  his  labors  since — and  the  sharer,  too,  of  his  bereavements. 

Some  men  are  so  quiet  in  their  ways  that  the  world  does  not 
realize,  until  they  are  gone,  the  sweetness  and  trueness  of  their  char- 
acters and  lives ;  but  Heaven  recognizes  the  Christly  spirit  and  walk. 
So  it  is  with  the  man  of  God  whom  we  call  Henry  ^louzon. 


REV.  J.  L.  MULLINIX, 

The  Rev.  J.  L.  Mullinix  was  born  in  Anderson  County,  S.  C, 
Aug.  28th,  1857.  His  parentage  was  of  Irish  descent.  The  family 
came  from  Ireland  about  1790,  and  first  settled  in  Rockingham 
County,  Virginia,  and  about  1810  mo\  :d  to  South  Carolina  and 
settled  in  what  was  then  known  as  the  Old  Pendleton  District.  This 
district  being  divided  in  1828,  became  Pickens  and  Anderson 
Counties.  He  was  reared  on  the  farm  near  old  Pendleton,  and  was 
denied  the  advantage  of  a  collegiate  training,  only  having  a  common 
school  education.  He  was  married  to  Miss  E.  Maggie  Hopkins,  of 
Pickens  County,  in  1875. 

Mr.  Mullinix  was  converted  and  joined  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church,  South,  at  the  age  of  fourteen  years.  Feeling  the  call  to 
preach  the  Gospel  soon  after  he  was  converted,  he  refused  to  heed 
the  call  until  he  reached  the  age  of  twenty-nine,  when  the  struggle 
became  so  great  that  it  could  be  no  longer  resisted.  He  yielded  to 
the  call  and  began  the  preparation  for  the  work  of  the  ministry,  and 
was  licensed  to  exhort  in  the  fall  of  1886,  and  in  April.  1887,  was 
licensed  to  preach.  He  continued  in  a  local  relation  until  the  session 
of  the  Annual  Conference  held  in  Greenwood  in  1898,  when  he  was 
admitted  on  trial  into  the  traveling  connection. 

He  taught  in  the  public  schools  of  Pickens  County  from  1891  to 


230  Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 

1895,  and  studied  during  these  years  for  the  equipment  and  prepara- 
tion of  his  hfe's  work.  In  April,  1895,  while  he  was  still  engaged 
in  teaching  in  Pickens  County,  he  was  called  upon  to  take  charge  of 
the  Walhalla  Circuit,  and  was  appointed  thereto  by  Rev.  T.  J.  Clyde, 
Presiding  Elder  of  the  Greenville  District,  where  he  was  reappointed 
year  after  year  until  he  had  filled  out  his  full  quadrennium. 

While  serving  this  work  as  local  supply  he  attended  the  Walhalla 
High  School  to  better  equip  himself  for  his  life's  work,  and  received 
certificates  of  proficiency  in  the  courses  pursued.  He  has  only 
served  one  year  as  a  member  of  the  South  Carolina  Conference  on 
the  West  Pickens  Circuit,  and  was  appointed  by  Bishop  Key,  at  the 
session  at  Orangeburg,  to  serve  the  Cypress  Circuit  for  1900. 

Mr.  Mullinix,  as  soon  as  he  was  licensed,  took  up  the  course 
tiiat  was  prescribed  by  the  Bishop  for  orders,  and  having  stood  an 
approved  examination  upon  the  course  at  the  expiration  of  four 
■v-ears  adopted  for  Deacon's  orders,  he  was  ordained  Deacon  by 
Bishop  Hendrix  in  1893,  ^"d  to  the  office  of  Elder,  in  Abbeville,  by 
Bishop  Granbery  in  1896. 

Mr.  Mullinix  is  faithful  and  true  in  all  his  work.  His  indomit- 
able perseverance  enabled  him  to  overcome  the  obstacles  encountered 
in  the  beginning  of  his  ministerial  life.  He  is  true  to  his  convictions 
of  right,  and  is  indeed  recognized  as  a  man  of  God. 


Twentieth  Cexturv  Sketches.  231 

REV.  BOB  G.  MURPHY. 

Rev.  Bob  Gage  Murphy,  son  of  Dr.  Charles  Thomas  Murphy  and 
^Irs.  M.  Louise  ]\Iurphy  (ncc  Peake),  was  born  August  21,  1875. 

Our  young  friend  has  had  excellent  educational  advantages  and 
has  made  good  use  of  them.  His  preparatory  education  was  ob- 
tained in  the  Graded  School  of  Union,  S.  C.     He  graduated  from  the 


South  Carolina  Military  Academy  in  the  class  of  1896.  After  this 
he  spent  one  year  in  the  Theological  Department  of  \'anderbilt 
University. 

Brother  Murphy's  call  to  the  ministry  was  a  surprise  even  to  him. 
He  had  always  had  an  aversion  to  the  ministry,  ever  thinking  and 
sometimes  saying  that  he  would  not  preach,  lie  joined  the  Church 
when  thirteen  years  old,  but  had  never  fully  left  Uie  world,  of  which 
he  was  very  fond.  He  was  deeply  convicted  of  sin,  but  held  out  for 
a  long  time  against  the  divine  impression.  Finally,  he  promised  the 
Lord  to  give  up  the  world  if  he  would  only  excuse  him  from  jjreach- 
ing.  But  the  Lord  refused  the  offered  compromise,  and  there  was 
no  peace  for  the  young  man  until  he  fully  yielded  himself  to  God 
and  accepted  the  divinely  appointed  work  nf  preaching  the  Gospel. 

Brother  Murphy  was  received  on  trial  into  the  South  Carolina 
Conference  in  December,  1899.  and  was  a])i)ointc(l  to  the  City  Mills 
charge,  Greenville,  where  he  did  a  s])len(lid  year's  work.  At  the 
recent  session  he  was  appointed  to  Chester  and  Lancaster  mills,  in 


232 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


the  Rock  Hill  District,  where  he  has  entered  very  auspiciously  upon 
the  year's  work. 

At  this  writing,  our  young  friend  is  unmarried,  but  being  a  wise 
young  man  he  will  not  remain  so  long,  but  will  soon  take  unto  him- 
self a  helpmeet. 

Brother  Murphy  has  only  begun,  but  all  signs  point  to  a  most  suc- 
cessful career.  Being  well-trained  and  thoroughly  consecrated,  there 
is  no  reason  why  his  life  should  not  be  one  of  great  fruitfulness. 


REV.  JOHN  W.  NEELEY. 

The  Rev.  John  W.  Neeley,  son  of  Edward  Palmer  and  Catherine 
Elizabeth  Neeley,  was  born  November  22,  1857.  His  education  was 
begun  in  the  schools  near  home  which  were  conducted  by  able  and 
scholarly  men.  Since  those  early  years  he  has  attended  the  school 
of  "spare  time"  and  burned  "the  midnight  oil."  It  still  continues. 
His  chiefest  studies  have  been  the  Bible  and  men.  Reared  piously, 
he  was  converted  and  joined  the  Church  at  the  age  of  fourteen  years. 
His  first  special  church  work  was  with  the  Y.  M.  C.  A.  in  Orange- 
burg and  Barnwell  Counties.  So  distinct  and  clear  was  the  sum- 
mons to  preach  that  he  could  not  rest  until  he  yielded.  The  Revs. 
Manning  Brown  and  J.  L.  Shuford  helped  him  greatly  in  this  try- 
ing season.  He  was  then  between  nineteen  and  twenty  years  old. 
He  was  received  on  trial  in  the  South  Carolina  Conference  December, 
1880,  since  which  time  the  following  have  been  his  charges:  1881, 
Cypress;  1882,  Newberry  Circuit;  1883,  Columbia  Circuit,  1884-86, 
Richland;  1887,  Blythewood,  1888-S9,  Lexington;  1890-93,  Granite- 
ville;  1894-95,  Richland;  1896-97,  supernumerary,  with  Marion 
Street  Station;  1898,  Hyatt  Park;  1.899,  supernumerary  with  Green 
Street;  1900,  supernumerary  with  Main  Street  Church,  Columbia. 
In  all  his  charges  he  was  successful.  At  Graniteville  his  success  was 
conspicuous,  the  church  named  Pentecost  is  the  fruit  of  a  remark- 
able revival  conducted  by  him. 

On  the  6th  of  May,  1886,  he  was  married  in  the  Washington 
Street  Church,  Columbia,  S.  C,  to  Miss  Margaret  Carolla  Burnside. 
Of  this  union  five  children  came,  Wilmot  Darby  Walker,  Wadsworth 
Burnside,  John  William,  Jr..  Kathleen  and  Anabel. 

Brother  Neeley  is  a  capable  preacher  and  an  excellent  pastor. 
At  times  he  preaches  with  manifest  power.  His  physical  debility 
which  required  him  to  rest  the  late  years,  is,  beyond  reasonable  doubt, 
the  result  of  labors  in  the  ministry  beyond  his  strength.  He  is  in 
greatly  improved  health  for  the  past  year  and  was  able  to  take  an 
appointment  at  Chester  Conference. 


Twentieth  Genturv  Sketches. 


233 


REV.  S.  A.  NETTLES. 

Stephen  Abraham  Nettles  was  born  near  Summerville,  S.  C,  April 
18,1859.  His  father,  Rev.  Abraham  Nettles,  was  one  of  the  pioneer 
preachers  of  the  South  Carolina  Conference,  serving  in  active  work 
for  forty-three  years,  and  peacefully  dying  November  6,  1889.  His 
mother's  maiden  name  was  Miss  Elizabeth  Lowrv  of  Chesterfield,  S. 


C,  who  for  forty  years  was  a  faithful  helpmeet  to  her  husband. 
These  good  parents  took  great  interest  in  the  education  of  their  chil- 
dren. As  a  result  the  subject  of  this  sketch  was  enthused  with  a  de- 
sire to  obtain  a  collegiate  training,  especially  to  obtain  a  \\'offord 
College  diploma.  At  the  age  of  seventeen,  he  attended  the  High 
school  of  Summerville,  after  which  he  went  to  Cokesbury  for  a  year 
and  a  half.  In  1877  he  entered  the  sophomore  class  at  W'oftord  Col- 
lege. That  year  the  Conference  superannuated  his  father,  thus  in- 
terfering for  a  while  with  the  boy's  college  course.  But  he  was  not 
to  be  outdone.  Securing  employment,  he  was  enabled  in  1880  to  re- 
enter college,  graduating  with  distinction  in  1882,  the  last  of  three 
sons  to  graduate  at  WolTord.  Soon  after  leaving  college,  j\Ir.  Net- 
tles and  his  sister  (who  has  ever  been  to  him  a  source  of  inspiration) 
bought  the  ]\Ianning  Academy,  Manning,  S.  C.  from  Rev.  H.  M. 
Mood,  and,  as  joint  principals,  ran  a  successful  school  for  several 
years.  Strict,  conscientious,  and  magnanimous,  Mr.  Nettles  gained 
the  admiration  of  his  patrons  who  even  to  this  day  speak  in  highest 


234  Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 

terms  of  his  work.  Just  after  opening  school,  he  bought  the  Claren- 
don Enterprise  and  successfully  conducted  this  weekly  paper  for  sev- 
eral years.  But  the  double  work  was  too  much  for  even  as  energetic 
a  man,  so  he  abandoned  the  newspaper  enterprise.  He  soon  found, 
however,  that  it  was  the  labors  of  teaching  that  were  telling  on  him 
and,  being  fond  of  journalism,  he  bought  the  Planning  Times,  re- 
entering the  newspaper  business  and  reducing  his  school  work. 

In  1890,  ]\Ir.  Nettles  espoused  the  Reform  Movement.  For  four 
years  he  was  its  recognized  leader  in  Clarendon  County.  He  was 
urged  in  1890  to  accept  the  nomination  for  the  House  or  Senate,  but 
declined.  He  has  ever  been  a  staunch  prohibitionist,  and  was  fore- 
most in  the  prohibition  movement  in  1892.  He  opposed  the  nomma- 
tion  of  State  and  County  officers  on  the  prohibition  platform,  how- 
ever, feeling  that  the  best  material  would  not  infrequently  refuse  to 
scramble  for  office  with  self-seeking  politicians.  He  formulated  the 
"Nettles  Box"  system,  by  which  each  voter  in  the  primary  election 
could  vote  "Prohibition"  or  "No  Prohibition,"  the  members  of  legis- 
lature to  be  governed  accordingly.  Being  repeatedly  urged  to  ac- 
cept the  nomination  for  the  legislature,  Mr.  Nettles  finally  consented 
and  made  the  race  in  1892  and  was  elected.  He  led  the  prohibition 
forces  that  year  in  the  House.  The  prohibition  bill  was  passed  in  the 
House  after  a  stubborn  fight,  but  was  defeated  in  the  Senate,  being 
substituted  by  the  Dispensary  bill  which  was  sent  back  to  the  House. 
After  careful  consideration  of  the  features  of  the  Dispensary  bill, 
he  concluded  that  the  Dispensary  would  be  a  great  gain  over  the 
open  bar-rooms  and  advised  his  colleagues  to  accept  it.  Mr.  Net- 
tles did  not  compromise  his  prohibition  views.  It  was  simply  a 
question  of  expediency.  He  obtained  permission  to  have  an  entry 
made  on  the  Journal  of  the  House  stating  that  he  did  not  favor  the 
bill,  but  that  he  accepted  it  as  a  step  toward  prohibition. 

In  1892  Mr.  Nettles  established  "The  Herald,"  a  weekly  paper,  in 
Sumter,  owning  and  editing  it  and  the  Manning  Times  simultane- 
ously. Keen  in  judgment  and  sound  in  deliberation,  he  rapidly  won 
success  in  his  enterprises.  His  renunciation  of  all  business  enter- 
prises and  political  allurements  to  enter  the  ministry  shows  unmis- 
takably the  hand  of  God. 

Mr.  Nettles  has  been  twice  married.  On  October  20,  1886,  he 
was  married  to  Aliss  Sue  Galluchat,  daughter  of  Rev.  Joseph  Gallu- 
chat.  She  died  December  14,  1893.  From  this  marriage  three  chil- 
dren were  born :  Abraham  Stephen,  Joseph  Lawrence  and  Lucian 
Clarke.  On  April  23,  1896  he  was  married  to  Miss  Lottie  Lee  Jones, 
daughter  of  the  Rev.  S.  B.  Jones,  D.  D.  She  died  December  12, 
1897.  It  was  upon  the  death  of  his  first  wife  that  ]\Ir.  Nettles  sur- 
rendered to  the  Lord  fully  and  accepted  the  call  to  preach.    All  busi- 


Twentieth  Cextury  Sketches.  235 


ness  enterprises  were  disposed  of,  and  he  soon  was  ready  for  entrance 
upon  the  arduous  duties  of  a  Methodist  preacher. 

He  was  admitted  into  the  Conference  at  Laurens  in  1894,  and  has 
served  Newberry  City  Mission,  Campobello  Circuit  and  Pacolet  Cir- 
cuit. In  all  of  these  he  has  been  eminently  successful.  Gracious  re- 
vivals attend  his  preaching.  As  a  preacher,  Mr.  Xettles  is  logical 
and  convincing;  as  a  pastor,  diligent  and  attentive. 


REV.  JUNIUS  JOSEPH  NEVILLE. 

Rev.  Junius  Joseph  Neville,  son  of  Henry  William  and  Annie 
]^Iaria  Jackson  Neville,  was  born  in  Charleston,  S.  C,  May  ist,  1837: 
His  maternal  grandfather,  William  Jackson,  from  Nansemond 
Countv,  \'a.,  a  solcher  of  the  Revolutionary  army,  was  one  of  the 
first  Alethodist  class  leaders  of  the  "Old  Blue  Meeting  House,"  Cum- 
berland street,  Charleston,  afterwards  known  as  Cumberland 
Church. 

The  .subject  of  this  sketch  was  reared  in  a  pious  "old  school"  Meth- 
odist home  and  never  knew  anything  else  than  to  be  a  Methodist  and 
attend  all  the  services  of  the  church  under  such  Godly  tutors  as 
Bishops  Capers,  Andrew  and  Wightman.  Revs.  Bond  English,  W.  A. 
Gamewell,  Whitefoord  Smith,  David  Derrick,  and  others  of  like 
piety.  He  joined  the  church  when  only  twelve  years  of  age  under 
the  pastorate  of  Dr.  John  T.  Wightman,  was  educated  in  the  schools 
of  Charleston  and  graduated  in  a  printing  office — occupying  every 
position  in  that  particular  school  from  apprentice  to  owner  and  pub- 
lisher. 

When  the  Confederate  war  began  he  went  into  service  with  the 
ISIavbeth  Artillery  and  remained  with  them  tmtil  the  close  of  the 
struggle. 

Called  to  preach  he  was  licensed  from  Trinity  Church.  Charleston, 
in  1874,  and  entered  the  South  Carolina  Conference  the  same  year. 
His  charges  have  been  as  follows:  1875.  Blackstock  Circuit  and 
Mission;  1876.  Anderson  Circuit:  1877  to  1879.  ^^'alhalla  and  Sen- 
eca: 1881-3,  Aiken  and  Langley.  Superannuated  three  following 
years.  1886-7,  Walhalia  and  Seneca  again:  1888,  Pacolet  Circuit, 
and  superannuated  since  that  time. 

On  November  16,  1859,  he  married  Miss  Jane  M.  Sharp  of  An- 
derson County,  who  has  been  his  faithful  helpmeet  all  the  years  fol- 
lowing. She  is  a  near  relative  of  the  gifted  autiioress,  Miss  Anna 
^laria  Barnes. 

Brother  Neville  is  a  man  of  charming  spirit,  modest,  quiet,  but 
firm  and  true.     Friends  can  rely  upon  him — for  that  matter,  all  can. 


236 


Twentieth  Cextury  Sketches. 


While  able  to  preach,  his  messages  were  thoughtful  and  always  de- 
livered with  tender  earnestness.  He  was  a  wise  pastor,  never  weary- 
ing in  such  ministry.  Therefore  it  is  scarcely  necessary  to  add  that 
his  labors  have  been  crowned  with  success. 


REV.  I.  J.  NEWBEERY. 

Rev.  Isaac  Jackson  Newberry  was  born  in  Sumter  County,  S.  C, 
near  Mechanicsville,  the  28th  day  of  January,  1835.  When  he  was 
five  years  old,  his  father  moved  to  Darlington  County,  near  Carters- 
ville,  where  he  was  brought  up.     He  was  blessed  with  religious 


parents.  His  father  was  a  preacher  in  the  Methodist  Protestant 
Church,  and  his  house  was  a  house  of  prayer,  where  the  morning 
and  evening  sacrifices  were  offered. 

Owing  to  the  death  of  his  father  in  1853,  his  educational  advan- 
tages were  limited  to  the  neighborhood  schools.  He  taught  school 
awhile,  and  studied  at  home,  and  thus  received  his  education. 

He  was  married  the  14th  of  October,  1856,  to  Miss  Frances 
Rebecca  Young.  On  the  25th  of  November,  1858,  their  first  and 
only  child  was  born — Cora  Saluda — who  was  married  to  Dr.  C.  M. 
Little  John,  of  Union  County,  the  loth  day  of  January,  1878.  They 
now  reside  at  Gaffney,  S.  C. 

He  was  converted  in  1858,  and  immediately  felt  called  to  preach 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches.  237 

the  Gospel;  and  in  the  fall  of  1858  he  was  licensed  to  preach  in  the 
Methodist  Protestant  Church,  and  for  fifteen  years  did  missionary 
work  in  that  Church. 

In  1873  he  joined  the  Conference  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church,  South,  and  was  sent  to  the  Pacolet  Circuit,  and  remained  on 
that  work  three  years.  His  next  appointment  was  Pee  Dee  Circuit, 
for  one  year  of  great  success — over  two  hundred  were  converted 
and  one  hundred  and  eighty-two  joined  the  Church.  He  was  next 
sent  to  Cherokee  Springs  for  two  years,  where  he  built  a  good  par- 
sonage. His  next  work  was  Santuc  Circuit,  one  year,  where  he 
built  another  parsonage.  He  was  then  sent  to  Rich  Hill  Circuit, 
and  lived  at  Pacolet  Depot.  This  was  his  last  work,  for  that  spring 
his  health  began  to  fail,  and  in  July  he  had  a  severe  attack  of  rheu- 
matism, and  was  confined  to  his  bed  for  weeks,  and  he  has  never 
been  well  since ;  in  fact,  he  is  an  invalid. 

After  eight  years  of  work,  he  was  superannuated,  which  relation 
he  still  holds.  He  is  now  very  feeble,  and  unable  for  work.  He 
does  all  he  can  in  the  Sunday  School  and  prayer  meeting  in  Gaffney, 
where  he  now  resides,  near  his  daughter.  He  has  peace  with  God 
and  his  fellow  man. 

Brother  Xewberry's  term  of  active  service,  though  brief,  was 
effective.  He  was  soon  released  from  actively  doing  God's  will,  and 
received  assignment  for  submissively  suffering  God's  will.  His  as- 
signment to  earthly  service  will  soon  end,  and  our  dear  brother  will 
lay  down  the  cross  and  take  up  the  crown. 

In  March,  1900,  his  wife  was  taken  sick  with  la  grippe,  and  after 
two  weeks  of  intense  suffering  fell  asleep  in  the  arms  of  Jesus,  9th 
April,  1900.  She  was  indeed  a  helpmeet,  never  opposing,  but  always 
co-operating  and  helping  in  every  effort  to  save  souls,  and  to  build  up 
the  Kingdom  of  our  Lord.  She  visited  the  sick  and  helped  the  poor 
and  needy  as  far  as  she  was  able. 


238 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


REV.  THOS.  C.  O'DELL, 

Rev.  Thos.  C.  O'Dell,  son  of  L.  M.  W.  O'Dell,  was  born  in 
Laurens  County,  S.  C,  about  six  miles  northwest  of  the  county 
seat,  Oct.  17,  1857.  The  son  of  a  farmer,  he  grew  up  to  manhood 
on  the  farm,  and  received  his  earlv  education  in  the  common  schools 


of  the  neighborliood.  In  December,  1878,  he  entered  Wofford  Col- 
lege, and  continued  his  studies  in  this  institution  for  three  years. 
Relying  entirely  upon  his  own  efforts  for  means  to  go  to  college, 
he  found  it  necessary  to  alternate  each  year  with  one  in  the  school 
room,  teaching.  In  this  way  he  completed  successively  the  Prepara- 
toiy,  Fresiiman  and  Sophomore  years.  It  was  during  his  second 
year,  and  mainly  through  his  efforts,  that  the  mess  hall — now  Wight- 
man  Hall — was  projected  and  successfully  operated.  By  this  means 
he  succeeded  in  greatly  reducing  the  expenses  of  the  students  who 
desired  to  take  advantage  of  the  arrangement.  What  a  blessing  this 
has  been  to  scores  of  young  men  since  his  day  they  are  the  best 
judges;  and  that  it  has  proven  a  great  blessing  to  the  college  is  evi- 
dent from  the  fact  that  it  is  one  of  the  especial  inducements  held 
out  to  young  men  of  limited  means  to  attend  college.  He,  with  Rev. 
J.  L.  Harley,  of  the  Conference,  and  B.  J.  R.  McAIakin,  fellow  stu- 
dents, was  the  first  to  eat  a  meal  in  the  now  Wightman  Hall. 

He  was  converted  and  joined  the  Methodist  Church  during  a 
meeting  conducted  at  King's  Chapel  Church — his  home  church — by 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches.  239 

Rev.  J-  B.  Tray  wick,  in  August,  1877,  ^^^  ^^'^s  licensed  to  preach 
August  II,  1879,  Rev.  C.  H.  Pritchard,  P.  E.  He  was  admitted  on 
trial  into  the  Conference  and  ordained  Deacon  by  Bishop  Keener,  in 
December,  1885  ;  ordained  Elder  by  the  same  Bishop,  at  Camden,  in 
December,  1889.  He  has  served  the  following  charges :  Clio  Cir- 
cuit, 1886,  as  junior  preacher  under  Rev.  G.  M.  Boyd;  Little  Pee 
Dee  Circuit.  1887-1888;  Rock  Hill  Circuit,  1889;  Pendleton  Circuit, 
1890-1892;  Georgetown  Station,  1893-1896;  Bamberg  Station,  1897- 
1900. 

He  was  married  to  Aliss  Leona  Meekins  Daniel,  of  Nichols,  S.  C, 
on  March  2y,  1888. 

Great  success  has  invariably  attended  the  ministry  of  Brother 
O'Dell  in  all  his  charges.  As  a  preacher,  he  is  plain,  practical,  and 
very  effective.  His  sermons  show  much  patient  thought  and  careful 
preparation.  His  style  is  quiet,  and  yet  every  word  shows  the  deep 
earnestness  of  the  speaker.  His  pastoral  ministrations  are  sympa- 
thetic and  helpful.  Wherever  there  is  suft'ering  or  sorrow,  there  he 
is  fountl  with  words  of  comfort. 


REV.  JOHN  OWEN. 

John  Owen  was  born  at  Wisbeach,  England,  November  2,  185 1, 
of  sterling  '\V'esleyan  Methodist  stock,  his  father  being  a  member  of 
the  Wesleyan  Conference.  He  was  educated  in  the  common  schools 
of  England,  and  at  the  age  of  eighteen,  with  his  father,  came  to  this 
country.  May,  1869,  he  landed  in  New  York.  Thence  he  came  to 
Chesterfield  County,  in  this  State,  where  he  remained  for  one  year. 
After  this  his  father  having  bought  a  plantation  in  Sumter  County 
and  returned  to  England,  John  Owen  took  charge  of  the  plantation 
and  farmed  there  until  the  time  of  his  entrance  into  the  South  Caro- 
lina Conference. 

He  was  first  married  to  Miss  Josephine  Watson  of  Hartlepool, 
England,  who  died  one  year  afterward.  December  23,  1875,  ^^^  ^^'*^s 
married  to  Miss  Nannie  J.  Warren  of  York  County,  S.  C.  Seven 
children  blessed  this  union  and  these  with  the  devoted  wife  are  left 
to  mourn  the  loss,  but  with  the  precious  heritage  of  blessed  memory, 
of  a  noble  father  and  tender  husband. 

At  the  age  of  14  years,  while  yet  living  in  England,  he  had  joined 
the  Church,  but  coming  to  this  country  and  settling  on  a  remote  river 
plantation,  he  fell  away  from  Church  associations.  September, 
1875,  he  was  converted  and  began  afresh  with  that  conversion  and 
joined  the  JNIethodist  Church  at  Harrison,  Mecklenburg  Countv, 
N.  C 


240  Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


A  man  of  John  Owen's  temperament  and  talents  was  simply  buried 
in  the  locality  and  work  in  which  he  was  engaged  at  this  time.  He 
needed  a  sympathetic  friend  to  bring  him  forward.  This  he  found 
in  Rev.  A.  J.  Stokes,  Presiding  Elder  of  the  Sumter  District. 
Brother  Stokes  becoming  acquainted  with  him  saw  at  once  the  man 
in  John  Owen  and  thrust  him  forward  into  work  and  thus  brought 
out  a  man  of  genius  that  would  otherwise  have  remained  in  obscur- 
ity unconscious  of  his  own  powers  and  unknown  to  all. 

Brother  Owen  was  licensed  to  preach  in  1883.  He  served  as  sup- 
ply on  the  Richland  Circuit  in  1885,  in  December  of  which  year  he 
was  received  on  trial  into  the  South  Carolina  Conference.  His  first 
appointment  was  West  Lancaster  Circuit,  where  he  served  three 
years.  His  further  appointments  were  :  Pee  Dee,  one  year ;  Mullins, 
four  years ;  Clio,  one  year ;  Orangeburg  District  as  Presiding  Elder, 
four  years,  and  Johnston.  It  was  while  on  Johnston,  toward  the 
close  of  his  second  year  there,  that  on  the  afternoon  of  October  30, 
1900,  while  bird  hunting  for  the  purpose  of  supplying  a  delicacy  for 
a  sick  member  and  friend  of  his  pastorate,  he  was  accidentally  shot 
by  the  young  friend  who  was  accompanying  him.  He  recognized  at 
once  the  fatal  character  of  his  wound,  but  showed  no  fear,  not  even 
nervousness,  and  throughout  all  the  49  hours  of  intense  suffering  in 
which  he  lingered  was  calm,  conscious  and  with  heroic  fortitude  bore 
his  suffering  without  a  groan.  With  expression  of  calm  faith  in 
God,  during  the  evening  of  November  i,  from  brave  endurance  of 
suffering  he  passed  into  sweet  enjoyment  of  the  rest  that  remaineth 
for  the  people  of  God. 

Truer,  nobler  heart  never  beat  in  breast  of  man.  Quiet,  retiring, 
meditative,  the  currents  of  his  life  ran  deep  and  with  tremendous 
force.  His  gifts  were  of  a  rare  and  high  order.  The  small  change 
of  commonplace  talk  he  had  little  of.  He  reserved  his  fire  for  ques- 
tions and  occasions  that  demanded  power  and  was  revealed  on  such 
occasions  as  the  capable  man  he  was.  His  power  of  language  and 
expression  when  under  the  sway  of  impassioned  thought  was  often 
a  source  of  amazement  even  to  those  who  knew  best  his  great  power. 


*^^^^ 


TwKNTiETH  Century  Sketches. 


241 


REV.  J.  THOMAS  PATE,  D.  D. 

Reverend  John  Thomas  I'atc,  D.  D.,  of  the  South  CaroHna  Con- 
ference, Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  South,  was  born  in  the  City 
of  Sumter,  S.  C,  June  27,  1856.  His  parents  were  pious  people, 
and  he  was  rightly  trained  in  childhood  and  youth.     They  also  valued 


education  and  gave,  their  son  the  advantage  of  the  schools  of  his 
native  city,  and  then  sent  him  to  Wofford  College. 

Dr.  Pate  was  converted  in  early  life,  and  united  with  the  Church 
he  now  serves  as  a  minister.  Called  to  preach,  he  was  licensed  and 
entered  the  Conference  of  which  he  is  still  a  member  in  December, 
1877.  Like  many  successful  Methodist  preachers,  his  first  appoint- 
ment was  a  junior  to  an  experienced  minister.  The  next  year  he 
was  put  in  charge  of  a  circuit.  And  steadily,  year  by  year,  he  has 
since  been  entrusted  with  more  and  more  important  stations,  in- 
cluding pastorates  in  Charleston,  Greenville,  Orangeburg,  Camden. 
If  a  work  was  apparently  weaker  when  he  was  sent  to  it.  it  has  been 
liis  fortune  to  witness  improvement.  In  every  city,  town  or  com- 
munitv  where  he  has  labored  he  is  remembered  with  warm  affection 
by  manv  friends.  These  friends  are  not  confined  to  his  own 
church,  but  may  be  found  in  all  denominations.  Xor  did  he  only 
win  friends  to  himself,  but  he  has  had  the  higher  pleasure  of  leading 
men  to  friendshi])  with  God. 

16— S. 


242  Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


Dr.  Pate  is  a  student.  He  loves  books  and  uses  them  to  his  profit. 
His  large  library  affords  full  opportunity,  and  he  avails  himself  of  it. 
Nevertheless,  he  is  no  recluse.  He  is  a  diligent  pastor,  and  he  meets 
men  also  in  the  common  walks  of  life. 

His  preaching  is  attractive  and  instructive.  His  sermons  are  care- 
fully prepared,  couched  in  vivid  language,  and  adorned  by  striking 
illustrations.     His  delivery  is  earnest  and  impressive. 

He  has  written  much  for  the  press.  His  themes  are  well-chosen 
and  discussed  in  pleasing  manner.  Reviews  and  other  periodicals 
have  used  his  written  thoughts. 

He  was  selected  as  one  of  the  speakers  of  the  Pan-American  Con- 
gress of  Religion  and  Education,  held  in  1895,  at  Toronto,  and  his 
address  on  "Christ,  the  Ideal  Teacher,"  was  an  excellent  production. 
His  voice  has  been  heard  in  other  assemblies. 

Dr.  Pate  has  traveled  much.  He  has  had  the  wisdom  to  visit 
many  parts  of  his  own  country,  and  he  has  also  visited  Canada  and 
Europe.  The  broadening  influence  of  seeing  strange  lands  and 
touching  foreign  peoples  has  been  his  privilege. 

He  is  systematic  in  travel,  work  and  study.  So  he  finds  time  for 
the  varied  demands  made  upon  him. 

Dr.  Pate  is  tall — about  six  feet  in  height — spare  built,  fair  com- 
plexion, gray  eyes,  showing  plainly  his  habit  of  study  and  thought. 
His  manner  of  personal  address  is  friendly. 

He  was  married  in  1879  to  Miss  Alice  Godhold,  of  Marion  County, 
S.  C.  His  gentle  helpmeet  still  brightens  his  home  and  lightens  his 
labors. 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


243 


REV.  D.  A.  PATRICK. 

Rev.  Daniel  Archil)al(l  I'atrick  was  born  September  2,  1870.  After 
the  usual  childhood  schooling-  he  attended  the  Summerville  High 
School  for  some  time.  In  January,  1893,  he  went  to  Spartanburg 
and  entered  the  Graded  school  of  that  citv.     In  the  fall  of  that  \ear 


he  matriculated  at  Wofford  College,  attending  two  sessions — 1893-4 
and  1895-6. 

Young  Patrick  was  always  a  good  boy.  In  early  childhood  he 
felt  the  divine  call  to  preach,  hut  fearing  he  might  be  under  a  mis- 
apprehension in  the  matter  said  nothing  about  it  at  the  time.  It  was 
after  he  was  twenty-one  years  old  that  he  made  known  the  fact  that 
God  had  called  him  to  preach.  He  was  forced,  under  an  overwhelm- 
ing influence  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  to  make  known  the  fact  and  accept 
the  call.  He  first  revealed  it  to  his  pastor,  Rev.  E.  B.  Loyless,  and 
then  to  his  parents.  Having  thus  yielded  to  the  divine  call  and 
having  broken  the  news  to  others,  he  began  at  once  to  prepare  for 
his  great  life-work,  placing  all  his  faculties  at  the  disposal  of  Christ, 
who  had  done  so  much  for  him. 

In  December.  1897.  Brother  Patrick  was  admitted  on  trial  into 
the  South  Carolina  Conference,  with  S.  H.  Booth.  \\'illiam  A.  Fairey, 
J.  M.  Lawson.  J-  ^^^  Speake.  and  R.  E.  Turnipseed.  His  first 
charge  was  the  St.  Stephens  ^Mission,  the  name  of  which  was 
changed  in  1899  to  Cordesville  Circuit.     For  three  years  our  young 


244 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


friend  rendered  efficient  service  on  this  charge,  growing  in  popu- 
larity and  usefuhiess  as  the  months  and  years  passed  by.  He  is  a 
good  preacher  and  attentive  pastor.  Those  who  know  him  best  pre- 
dict a  most  successful  career  for  him.  So  far,  he  is  giving  evidence 
that  their  expectations  are  well-founded.  At  the  last  session,  he  was 
sent  to  Gaffney  Circuit. 

Brother  Patrick,  as  most  wise  men,  decided  that  he'needed  a  help- 
meet; so  on  December  27,  1900,  he  was  married  to  Miss  Dyrena 
Avinger,  of  Cordesville,  S.  C.  They  have  entered  happily  and  hope- 
fully upon  life's  work  together.  The  writer  prays  divine  blessings 
upon  them. 

(To  the  great  sorrow  of  the  entire  Conference,  Brother  Patrick 
passed  away  to  the  life  beyond  January  9,  1901. — Editor.) 


REV.  A.  R.  PHILLIPS. 

The  subject  of  this  sketch  was  born  near  the  present  town  of 
Springfield,  in  the  western  part  of  Orangeburg  County,  Aug.  20, 
1853.  He  is  the  third  son  and  fifth  child  of  William  F.  and  Annie 
Eliza  C.  Phillips. 


When  the  boy  was  quite  young  his  father  moved  to  Blackville,  S. 
C,  and  engaged  in  the  mercantile  business.     His  first  schooling  was 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches.  245 


received  there.  \\'hen  liis  lather  removed  to  his  old  home  the  boy 
attended  the  common  school  of  the  community.  He  attended  for 
some  time  Dr.  A.  Toomer  Porter's  school  in  Charleston  and  the  Elk 
High  School  at  Elko,  S.  C.  Beo:inning  in  January,  1890,  he  at- 
tended, for  nearly  three  years,  W'offord  College,  preparatory  to  the 
ministry. 

Mr.  Phillips  was  married  December  5,  iSjy,  to  Miss  Louisa  R. 
Davis,  third  daughter  of  the  late  Morgan  A.  and  Mrs.  Theresa  F. 
Davis.  To  this  union  there  have  been  born  six  children,  two  boys 
and  four  girls.  The  first  three — Lillian  E.,  Daisy  ^L,  and  Lessie 
L. — were  born  in  our  home  on  the  farm  near  Phillips,  S.  C.  The 
fourth  child,  Carlisle  Dickson,  was  born  in  the  Lewiedale  Circuit 
parsonage.  The  fifth  child  and  second  son,  Andrew  R.,  junior,  was 
born  in  the  parsonage  of  the  Edgewood  charge.  The  sixth,  a  girl, 
Sadie  Lou,  was  born  Aug.  2^,  1899,  in  the  Ridge  way  Circuit  parson- 
age.    All  these  children  are  living  and  are  in  excellent  health. 

For  ten  years  after  his  marriage  he  lived  on  his  farm  at  Phillips, 
S.  C.  Several  years  before  he  began  to  prepare  mentally  for  the 
ministry  he  engaged  in  a  small  mercantile  business,  which  he  man- 
aged in  connection  with  his  farm.  Mr.  Phillips  had  built  up  quite 
a  considerable  trade  when  the  pressing  call  came  to  him  more  forcibly 
than  ever  through  the  "still  small  voice,"  that  "woe  is  me  if  I  preach 
not  the  Gospel."  Then  it  was  in  January  that  he  went  to  Wofford 
College  to  better  prepare  himself  to  enter  the  ministry.  From  child- 
hood Mr.  Phillips  had  had  an  impression  that  he  would  have  to 
preach.  He  had  been  converted  in  Old  Pine  Grove  Church  (now 
Springfield)  in  November,  1873,  but  the  decision  to  respond  to  the 
call  was  not  made  till  1889. 

Leaving  Wofiford  in  June,  1892,  he  taught  school  till  near  the 
meeting  of  the  Conference  in  Charleston,  November,  1892.  He  was 
there  admitted  on  trial  with  perhaps  the  largest  class  that  was  ever 
admitted  in  the  history  of  the  Conference.  His  first  charge  was  the 
Lexington  Fork  Circuit.  He  remained  there  for  only  one  year. 
The  next  year  he  was  sent  to  the  Lewiedale  charge,  where  he  re- 
mained for  three  years. 

At  tlie  Conference  held  in  Abbeville,  the  Bishop  "read  him  out" 
for  the  Edgewood  Circuit,  near  Columbia.  Here  he  remained  one 
year.  When  the  Conference  met  in  Florence  Bishop  Duncan  ap- 
pointed him  to  the  Ridgeway  charge.  He  served  this  charge  during 
1898  and  1899. 

This  year  (1900)  he  is  on  the  Darlington  Circuit.  Mr.  Phillips 
was  ordained  Elder,  at  Abbeville,  by  Bishop  Granbery. 

]\Ir.  Phillips  seems  to  be  a  man  of  strong  physique,  good  mental 
ability  and  great  spiritual  force.  Fortunate  are  the  charges  he 
serves. 


246 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


REV.  D.  ARTHUR  PHILLIPS. 

Rev.  D.  Arthur  Phillips,  son  of  ^Ir.  John  F.  and  Mrs.  Elizabeth  F. 
Phillips,  was  born  April  i,  1866,  in  Orangeburg  County,  S.  C.  To 
these  parents  were  born  ten  children,  all  of  whom  are  hving  at  this 
writing.  The  father  died  in  the  faith,  l\Iarch  3,  1895.  The  good 
mother  is  still  living,  and  resides  at  Springfield,  S.  C. 


After  receiving  such  training  as  the  common  schools  of  the 
country  afforded.  Brother  Phillips  entered  Wofford  Fitting  School 
in  October,  1887.  By  hard  work  he  was  enabled  to  do  the  work  of 
two  years  in  one,  so  in  October,  1888,  he  entered  the  college  classes, 
and  pursued  the  regular  college  course  for  one  year.  He  made  a 
most  excellent  record,  both  in  the  Fitting  school  and  in  the  College. 

Being  reared  in  a  home  that  was  distinctively  religious,  and  having 
pious  parents,  than  whom  there  are  no  better,  young  Phillips  was 
pious  from  his  youth  up.  The  call  to  preach  came  to  him  while  at 
college.  It  was  clear  and  unmistakable.  Though  feeling  a  deep 
sense  of  his  unfitness  for  the  work,  he  yielded  to  the  call  and  deter- 
mined to  use  all  his  powers  for  the  glory  of  God  and  the  salvation 
of  men.  He  was  licensed  to  preach  July  20.  1889,  by  the  Quarterly 
Conference  of  the  Blackville  Circuit,  Rev.  T.  J.  Clyde  being  the 
Presiding  Elder.  For  three  months  previous  to  the  session  of  the 
Annual  Conference  in  1890  he  served  as  a  supply  on  the  West 
Wateree  Circuit.     He  was  received  on  trial  at  the  session  of  the  Con- 


Twentieth  Cexturv  Sketches.  247 


ference  held  in  November  of  that  year,  David  Hucks,  Edward  W. 
Mason,  J.  Hubert  Xoland  and  Samuel  H.  Zimmerman  joining  at  the 
same  time.  His  labors  have  been  in  the  f(jllo\ving  charj^^es :  West 
Wateree,  1891-2;  Campobello  Circuit,  1893-6;  Whitmirc  Circuit, 
1897-8;  Heath  Springs  Station,  1899-1901.  While  on  the  West 
Wateree  charge.  Brother  Phillips  led  in  buying  a  nice  parsonage. 
While  at  Campobello  he  started  the  erection  of  a  handsome  brick 
church ;  the  one  at  Landrum  was  remodeled  ;  a  lot  and  lumber  for  a 
new  church  at  Inman  being  also  bought.  In  all  the  charges  there 
have  been  conversions  and  accessions  to  the  Church. 

On  April  10,  1890,  Brother  Phillips  was  married  to  Miss  Julia  S. 
Jones,  of  Charleston,  S.  C.  Four  children  have  been  born  to  them— 
Hannah  Elizabeth,  :\Iyrtle  Evans,  Charles  Galloway  and  Hillis 
Richard.     The  third  one,  Charles  Galloway,  lived  only  a  short  while. 

Our  voung  friend  is  making  a  good  record  as  pastor,  worker  and 
preacher,  and  has  very  promisingly  entered  upon  a  successful  career. 


REV.  T.  P.  PHILLIPS. 

Rev.  Thornberry  Perrit  Phillips,  son  of  John  Milton  and  Sarah  L. 
Phillips,  was  born  in  Greenville  County,  S.  C,  July  14,  1845.  His 
educational  opportunities  were  limited.  He  had  in  his  youth  only 
the  opportunity  of  three  or  four  months  at  a  country  school.  After 
his  call  to  the  ministry  he  went  to  a  neighborhood  school  about  six 
months  longer. 

He  joined  the  Church  and  was  interested  about  the  salvation  of 
his  soul,  but  these  first  impressions  were  accompanied  by  a  call  to 
preach.  Realizing  his  lack  of  preparation,  he  shrank  from  under- 
taking this  work,  and  so  for  some  time,  he  continued  in  a  most 
unsatisfied  state.  Finally,  in  1872.  he  surrendered  completely, 
promised  God  that  he  would  preach  or  do  anything,  and  thereupon 
was  happily  converted. 

He  was  licensed  and  began  to  jireach  in  C  )ctober,  1874.  l->om  that 
dav  to  this,  he  has  walked  in  his  integrity  and  labored  faithfully 
for  the  salvation  of  men.  At  the  Greenville  Conference,  held  by 
Bishop  Alarvin,  in  December,  1874.  he  was  appointed  as  supply 
on  Pickens  Mission.  Tn  December.  1875.  he  was  admitted  on  trial 
into  the  South  Carolina  Conference,  and  returned  to  the  same 
charge.  His  other  appointments  have  been:  Shallow  Ford,  now 
Townville,  '77-7^\  Westminster,  '79;  West  Marion.  '8o-'8i  ; 
Clarendon,  now  New  Zion,  '82-"83 ;  Colleton.  "84;  Xorth  Edgefield, 
now  Phoenix,  '85-"86;  Kinards.  '87-'88;  Townville.  ■89-90;  Reidville, 
'91-2-3;  Greenville.  '94;  Greers.  '95-''/^:  Sumter  Circuit.  '97. 
Superannuated  '98-99,  1900.  1901. 


248  Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


During  his  service  on  Pickens  Mission  about  one  hundred  persons 
were  converted.  '  Although  in  later  years  he  had  many  gracious 
meetings,  and  not  a  year  without  conversions  and  additions  to  the 
Church,  vet  perhaps  the  crowning  labors  of  his  ministry  were  at  the 
very  beginning. 

Brother  Phillips  began  his  ministry  with  very  meagre  prepara- 
tion, but  by  systematic  and  constant  study  he  became  an  excellent 
preacher.  Especially  was  he  well-founded  in  a  knowledge  of  the 
Bible  and  the  doctrines  of  the  Methodist  Church.  His  messages 
were  sound,  sensible,  practical ;  often  delivered  with  power,  and  al- 
ways with  sympathetic  earnestness.  He  is  a  man  of  very  fine  sense 
— the  much  needed  "commonsense" — and  his  services  as  pastor  were 
therebv  made  the  more  valuable.  He  has  been  from  first  to  last  an 
orthodox  preacher,  loyal  to  the  doctrines  and  polity  of  ^Methodism, 
and  his  career  has  been  most  honorable  to  him  and  useful  to  the 
Church. 

On  March  30,  1863,  he  married  Miss  Susan  Willaman,  of  Green- 
ville County.  One  child — Texanna — was  born  of  this  union.  The 
little  one  fell  to  sleep  in  infancy.  Brother  and  Sister  Phillips  then 
adopted  an  orphan  girl — Effie  Joicey — who  under  their  training  and 
influence  grew  into  a  noble  womanhood.  She  is  now  Mrs.  Efifie 
Joicey  Smith. 

Brother  Phillips'  health  is  still  impaired.  He  has  not  been  able 
to  preach  for  months,  but  there  is  some  improvement,  and  he  hopes 
yet  to  be  able  to  speak  a  message  for  the  good  of  men.  His  hearing 
is  also  difficult.  But  in  it  all,  he  is  cheerful — submissive  to  the 
will  of  God. 


REV.  W,  A.  PITTS. 

Rev.  William  Alewine  Pitts,  son  of  Robt.  G.  and  Martha  Pitts,  was 
born  in  Laurens  County.  S.  C,  Sept.  14,  1867.  He  came  of  ^leth- 
odist  stock,  his  Grandfather  :\Ieadors  having  been  a  useful  exhorter. 
When  about  seventeen  years  old  he  was  converted  and  joined  the 
Church  under  the  ministry  of  Rev.  D.  P.  Boyd.  After  due  prepar- 
ation he  entered  Wofford  College  and  there  graduated  in  June,  1893. 
He  taught  school  in  Clarendon  County  for  one  year,  and  then  en- 
tered the  South  Carolina  Conference  at  the  Laurens  session,  held 
November.  1894.  His  call  to  the  ministry  had  been  clear  and  dis- 
tinct, and  after  the  most  faithful  heart-searching  and  prayer,  he  had 
obeyed  the  heavenly  vision,  making  once  and  forever  complete  con- 
secration of  his  life  to  the  holy  service.  He  served  York  Circuit  in 
1895-6,  Jordan  Circuit  1897-1900,  and  is  now  (1901)  in  charge  of 
Orangeburg  Circuit.     In  all  these    charges    his    ministry    has  been 


T\\  EXTIETH   CeXTURY   SKETCHES.  249 

successful  in  the  salvation  of  souls  and  in  the  upbuilding  of  his  work, 
spiritually  and  temporally.  On  York  Circuit,  he  began  the  building 
of  a  new  church  at  Kings  Mountain  Chapel.  .A.t  Jordan,  under  his 
leadership,  Bethlehem  was  completed,  paid  for  and  dedicated  and  the 
new  Jordan  Church — a  handsome  structure — was  also  built. 

Brother  Pitts  is  a  manly  man — brave  but  modest,  kind  but  faithful, 
thoughtful  but  teachable,  conscientious  but  tolerant,  upright  but  com- 
passionate— just  the  mould  to  make  a  wise,  reliable  and  successful 
leader.  He  is  a  student  of  books  and  of  men,  neglecting  neither 
his  study  nor  his  pastoral  duties.  His  sermons  are  sensible,  well- 
prepared,  impressively  delivered,  and  are  accompanied  by  power 
from  on  high.  His  pastoral  work  is  done  in  friendly  and  attractive 
fashion  and  is  taken  up  systematically  and  impartially.  It  is  no  won- 
der that  such  a  man  succeeds. 

On  February  17,  1897.  he  married  ]\liss  Sue  A.  Davis,  a  daughter 
of  Hon.  C.  M.  Davis,  of  Clarendon  County.  She  is  a  prepared  help- 
meet, having  graduated  at  Columbia  Female  College  in  June,  1891, 
and  she  has  been  the  light  of  his  home  and  the  sharer  of  his  labors. 
Three  children  have  been  born  of  this  marriage :  May  Lucile.  Charles 
AlcOueen  and  ^Martha  Gertrude. 


^<^ 


250 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


REV.  GEO.  H.  POOSER. 

The  subject  of  this  sketch,  Rev.  George  Henry  Pooser,  is  one  of 
the  heroic  veterans  of  the  South  CaroHna  Conference.  He  is  the 
son  of  Alaj.  George  H.  Pooser-  and  Ann  E.  Pooser,  of  Orangeburg 
County,  S.  C,  and  was  born  June  26,  1838. 


His  early  education  was  received  in  the  home  and  in  the  usual 
schools  and  academies  of  the  country,  some  of  which  were  taught  by 
the  best  teachers  the  age  afforded,  such  as  Prof.  Thomas  Walsh  and 
Rev.  F.  W.  Pope,  the  latter  being  a  graduate  of  the  South  Carolina 
College. 

Young  Pooser  taught  school  several  years  in  this  State,  and  in 
Arkansas,  where  he  lived  for  about  three  years  after  the  war. 
Through  this  experience  of  teaching,  the  young  man's  mental  equip- 
ment was  greatly  augmented. 

Brother  Pooser  was  converted  at  Mount  Olivet  Camp  Meeting 
under  the  preaching  of  Rev.  Nicholas  Talley,  and  joined  the  Metho- 
dist Church  at  sixteen  years  of  age.  He  felt  the  Divine  call  to 
preach  soon  after  his  conversion,  but  did  not  yield  until  after  the 
Civil  War.  He  served  gallantly  in  the  Civil  War  on  the  coast  of 
this  State,  in  Virginia  and  East  Tennessee,  being  wounded  at  the 
"Battle  of  the  Wilderness,"  and  on  the  Darby  Town  road  near  Rich- 
mond. 

He  was  licensed  to  preach  in  1868  by  the  Quarterly  Conference  of 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches.  251 

Waldron  Circuit,  Arkansas  Conference,  Rev.  F.  A.  Taff  being  the 
pastor  and  Rev.  J.  J.  Roberts  the  Presiding  Elder.  He  was  ordained 
Deacon  by  Bishop  Paine,  and  Elder  by  Bishop  Kavanaugh.  Brother 
Pooser  was  received  on  trial  into  the  South  Carolina  Conference  at 
Anderson  in  December,  1872,  with  R.  W.  Barber,  J.  C.  Davis,  C.  D. 
I\Iann  and  W.  A.  Rogers,  since  which  he  has  served  as  follows : 
Yemassee  Circuit.  1873-6;  Cypress  Circuit,  1877-80;  Edisto  Circuit, 
1881-3;  Tumbling  Shoals  Circuit,  1884:  Lexington  Circuit,  1885-6; 
Richland  Circuit.  1887-9:  Tradesville  Circuit,  1890;  Brookland  Mis- 
sion, 1891-2:  Ridgeway  Circuit,  1893-4:  South  Branchvillc  Circuit, 
1895-6:  Boiling  Springs  Circuit,  1897;  Bethany  Circuit,  1898-9; 
Wedgefield  Circuit,  1900-1901.  In  all  of  these  charges  the  faithful 
labors  of  our  good  brother  have  been  attended  with  success. 
Through  his  thoughtful  and  earnest  preaching  many  souls  have  been 
pointed  to  Christ  and  many  others  have  been  helped  in  divine  life. 
Through  his  watchful  care  and  oversight  as  a  pastor  many  have 
been  guided  in  spiritual  affairs. 

Brother  Pooser  is  a  forceful  writer  as  well  as  good  preacher  and 
zealous  pastor.  He  ever  expresses  his  convictions  in  language 
strong  and  unmistakable.  You  may  always  know  which  side  of  the 
fence  George  H.  Pooser  is  on. 

Our  brother  was  married  June  4.  1866,  to  J\Iiss  INIartha  E.  Jen- 
nings, of  Orangeburg  County.  To  them  the  following  children  have 
been  born:  George  J.,  Florence  A.,  ]\Iary  W..  Edith  M..  Henrietta 
A.,  Henry  A.,  Sarah  E.  and  \\'illiam  S.  Of  these,  one — Henry  A. — 
is  dead. 


252 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


REV.  M.  H.  POOSER. 

The  Reverend  Matthias  Hutchinson  Pooser,  son  of  Emanuel  and 
Frances  Pooser,  was  born  in  the  town  of  Orangeburg,  S.  C,  on  No- 
vember 9th,  1823.  Reared  in  a  refined  and  pious  home,  he  early 
imbibed  the  principles  of  courtesy  and  of  Christianity.     He  joined 


the  Methodist  Church  at  old  Saddler  Swamp  Camp  Meeting,  at  the 
age  of  seven  years,  and  lived  worthily  of  his  profession  all  his  days. 
His  education,  well  begun  in  an  intelligent  home,  was  carried  for- 
ward in  the  schools  of  his  native  town,  and  continued  by  judicious 
reading  to  the  end. 

He  was  thrice  married — on  December  25th,  1847,  to  Mrs.  Jane 
Webber,  whose  maiden  name  was  Lord;  on  March  31st,  1886,  to 
]\Iiss  Lizzie  Marshall,  of  Charleston,  S.  C,  and  on  September  25th, 
1897,  to  Miss  Louisa  Williams,  of  Greenville  County,  S.  C.  All 
were  gentlewomen  and  helpmeets  indeed.  Three  children  were  born 
of  his  first  marriage,  all  of  whom  survive — one  of  them  a  great  but 
patient  sufferer. 

He  was  called  of  God  to  preach  the  Gospel  and  was  licensed  in 
1870.  In  December,  1873,  he  was  admitted  on  trial  into  the  South 
Carolina  Conference,  and  year  by  year  he  went  willingly  where  he 
was  appointed,  serving  his  charges  with  unwearying  fidelity.  Every- 
where he  won  respect  and  esteem,  and  God  gave  him  seals  to  his 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches.  253 

ministry.  His  last  field  was  Lancaster  Circuit  and  city  mission. 
He  entered  upon  his  work  there  with  zeal,  but  was  soon  stricken 
by  sickness.  Apparently  recovered,  he  filled  his  appointments  on 
April  8th.  The  Wednesday  nic^ht  following,  he  retired,  seemingly 
in  fair  health.  About  i  a.  m.  Thursday  he  was  awakened  by  a  diffi- 
culty of  breathing.  Only  the  family  was  present.  Loving  hands 
ministered  as  they  could,  but  in  vain.  After  an  hour  or  two  of 
sufifering  he  murmured :  "Oh,  glory,"  and  was  gone — gone  to  the 
land  of  life  eternal.  On  "Good  Friday"  his  remains  were  laid  to 
rest  in  the  cemetery  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  of  Orangeburg. 
The  summons  came  suddenly,  but  he  was  ready. 

Brother  Pooser  was  a  brave,  manly  man,  a  thoughtful  and  kind 
neighbor,  a  friend  true  as  steel,  a  Christian  of  positive,  settled  ex- 
perience and  consistent  life,  a  faithful  pastor,  an  earnest  and  im- 
pressive preacher.  He  was  emphatically  a  gentleman — "a  gentle- 
man of  the  old  school,"  the  better  school.  Graceful  deportment  and 
chaste,  elegant  speech  were  part  of  his  very  nature.  Xo  rude,  un- 
generous act  marred  his  life ;  no  unkind,  uncharitable  word  soiled 
his  lips.  He  was  the  mould  and  fashion  of  the  gentleman  and 
courteous  Christian.  And  these  traits  marked  his  path  from  child- 
hood to  the  grave.  There  were  no  lapses  nor  wanderings.  All  was 
consistent  and  steadfast.  Converted  in  earliest  years,  he  clave  to 
Christ  and  walked  in  his  courtesy  and  integrity  until  called  above. 
Like  Obediah,  he  could  say :  "I  have  served  the  Lord  from  my 
youth."  Like  Paul,  he  could  claim :  "I  have  kept  the  faith." 
Therefore,  we  are  confident  that  he  now  wears  that  crown  which 
the  righteous  Judge  gives  to  them  that  love  His  appearing.  All  his 
long  life  devoted  to  God !  How  we  should  covet  the  shining  story — 
and  its  everlasting  reward ! 


REV.  JAMES  S.  PORTER. 

Good  Methodist  blood  flows  in  the  veins  of  Rev.  James  S.  Porter. 
He  is  the  son  of  Rev.  John  A.  Porter,  who  has  been  for  many  years 
an  honored  member  of  the  South  Carolina  Conference,  and  Mrs, 
Emily  F.  Porter,  a  noble  Christian  woman. 

The  subject  of  this  sketch  was  born  April  23,  1854.  He  has  had 
an  interesting  educational  career.  His  preparatory  education  was 
received  in  the  schools  of  Charleston  and  Georgetown  and  the  High 
School  at  Marion  under  Prof.  \V.  H.  \\'itherow  and  Rev.  Thomas 
Mitchell.  He  then  entered  A\'offord  College  and  remained  there 
from  October,  1873,  till  June.  1877.  Being  dependent  on  his  own 
efforts  to  pay  his  way,  he  engaged  in  various  ways  to  work  for 
others,  such  as  cutting  wood,  painting  signs,  buggies,  names  on 


254  Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 

trunks,  and  clerking,  etc.  He  was  determined  to  obtain  an  education 
and  was  willing  to  engage  in  any  honorable  work  that  would  help 
him  pay  his  way. 

Brother  Porter  felt  the  Divine  call  to  preach  in  childhood,  but 
did  not  yield  to  it  until  after  he  had  struggled  with  the  problem  lor 
a  number  of  years.  When  only  about  four  years  of  age,  he  lost  his 
mother,  whose  maiden  name  was  Cooper.  She  lived  long  enough, 
however,  to  indelibly  stamp  the  impress  of  her  character  upon  the 
soul  of  her  boy.  His  step-mother's  maiden  name  was  Miss  Carrie 
Burnheim,  a  sister  of  Rev.  G.  D.  Burnheim,  D.  D.,  and  Rev.  C.  H. 
Burnheim,  D.  D.,  of  the  Lutheran  Church.  Of  course,  his  father's 
Godly  life  and  ministry  was  a  benediction  to  the  boy.  He  was  first 
converted  in  1868,  in  Georgetown,  under  the  preaching  of  Dr.  J. 
T.  Wightman.  He  received  the  cleansing  power  of  the  Holy  Spirit 
in  August,  1885,  i"  ^  meeting  at  Augusta,  Ga. 

He  was  licensed  to  exhort  at  Spartanburg  in  1874,  Rev.  T.  G. 
Herbert  being  the  Presiding  Elder.  He  was  licensed  to  preach  at 
Ebenezer  Church,  now  in  the  Latta  Circuit,  Rev.  H.  A.  C.  Walker 
being  the  Presiding  Elder. 

Brother  Porter  joined  the  Conference  at  Columbia  in  December, 
1877;  was  ordained  Deacon  by  Bishop  Wightman  in  1879;  ^^'^s  or- 
dained Elder  by  Bishop  Pierce  in  1881.  He  has  served  as  follows; 
Junior  Preacher  on  Cokesbury  Circuit,  1878;  Richland  Fork  Circuit, 
1879;  Junior  Preacher  on  Newberry  Circuit,  1880;  South  Conway- 
boro  Circuit,  1881 ;  Black  River  Circuit,  1882;  Georgetown  Circuit, 
1883;  Tradesville  Circuit,  188.^;  West  Lancaster  Circuit,  1885; 
Hanging  Rock  Circuit,  1886;  Foreston  Circuit,  1887-9;  Black 
Swamp  Circuit,  1890-1  ;  Lowndesville  Station,  1892;  Cherokee  Cir- 
cuit, 1893;  Jonesville  Circuit,  1894;  Pacolet  Circuit.  1895;  Lynch- 
burg Circuit,  1896-7;  Pickens  Circuit,  1898-9;  Centenary  Circuit, 
1 900- 1. 

On  December  7,  1880,  Brother  Porter  was  married  to  Miss  Alice 
C.  Livingston,  daughter  of  Mr.  John  M.  and  Mrs.  Catherine  Liv- 
ingston, of  Newberry  County,  Rev.  John  A.  Porter,  assisted  by 
Rev.  John  W.  Kelley,  performing  the  ceremony.  Following  are  the 
names  of  their  living  children :  J.  David  W.,  Catherine  F.,  Smiley 
L.,  Susan  A.,  Robert  D.,  Georgia  Eveline. 

Brother  Porter  is  a  man  of  strong  convictions  and  never  hesitates 
to  express  them  in  vigorous  languag'e.  He  is  conscientious  in  all 
that  he  does.  He  is  an  earnest  and  forceful  preacher,  and  a  zealous 
pastor.    He  is  making  a  record  of  heroic  service  in  our  Conference. 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


255 


EEV.  WM.  CARR  POWER. 

Rev.  William  Carr  Power  is  a  man  amon<^  men.  One  who  knew 
him  well  said  of  him:  "Were  I  commissioned  to  find  a  man,  and  if 
I  should  first  meet  W.  C  Power,  I  would  be  content."  He  is  not 
"a  reed  shaken  with  the  wind."     Though  inflexible  in  matters  of 


principle,  he  is  not  stern  and  unapproachable.  The  weak,  as  well  as 
the  strong,  the  humble  as  well  as  the  exalted  find  in  him  appre- 
ciative attention.  He  is  exacting  in  rightful  demands,  but  generous 
to  calls  for  sympathy,  pity  and  charity.  You  can  depend  upon  him 
in  both  his  softer  and  sterner  moods. 

He  was  born  in  Abbeville  District,  South  Carolina,  ^larch  21, 
1831,  of  worthv  parents — John  Power  and  Jane  Daniel  Power  (nee 
Montague.)  He  attended  excellent  schools  in  his  neighborhood, 
and  completed  his  academic  course  at  Cokesbury  Conference  School, 
where  many  of  the  best  of  our  youth  have  been  prepared  for  their 
life  work.  His  strong  and  fiery  spirit  was  ambitious  for  worldly 
distinction,  and  he  chose  the  study  of  law  as  the  means  of  attaining 
this  desire.  But  beneath  that  ambition  was  smouldering  a  heavenly 
fire,  which  ultimately  burned  the  unholy  barriers  away.  From  very 
earlv  life  he  felt  called  to  the  Gospel  ministry.  This  conviction  con- 
tinued buried  in  his  heart,  which  weakened  his  ambitious  purpose. 
At  a  crisis  in  his  life.  Rev.  H.  11.  Durant,  a  devout  minister,  and  a 
wise  counsellor,  dissuaded  him  from  his  cherished  purpose  and  in- 


256  Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


duced  him  to  prepare  himself  for  his  God-called  ministry.  The 
question,  once  settled,  was  settled  forever.  After  two  years  of 
special  preparation,  he  applied  for  admission  in  the  South  Carolina 
Conference,  in  December,  1857. 

As  preacher  in  charge  of  circuits,  stations,  agent  of  one  of  our 
colleges,  chaplain  in  the  Confederate  Army,  and  Presiding  Elder 
of  districts,  he  proved  himself  worthy  of  the  confidence  reposed  in 
him  by  those  in  authority.  He  has  served  eight  years  on  circuits, 
ten  years  on  stations,  nineteen  years  on  districts,  one  year  as  agent 
of  college,  and  four  years  as  army  chaplain — forty-seven  years  in  all. 
These  have  been  years  of  ceaseless  toil  and  efficient  service.  He  is 
still  strong  in  body,  vigorous  in  mind  and  invincible  in  purpose. 

It  was  not  until  almost  middle  life  that  he  sought  connubial  com- 
panionship. He  wooed  and  won  ]\Irs.  Martha  Louise  McEachern, 
daughter  of  General  Wm.  Evans,  of  Marion,  S.  C,  and  they  were 
married  March  20th,  1867.  Eight  children  were  the  fruits  of  this 
marriage.  Six  are  with  us,  and  two  are  not,  because  God  took  them 
in  infancy. 

Thus  has  lived  this  able  minister,  wise  counsellor,  superior  execu- 
tive officer  and,  in  all  respects,  true  man.  For  him  we  hope  for  years 
of  continued  usefulness. 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


257 


REV.  ERVIN  G.  PRICE. 

On  September  13.  185 J,  Rev.  Ervin  G.  Price  was  born  in  Colleton 
County,  S.  C.  Death  conquered  his  father  and  mother  when  he 
was  of  very  tender  years.  Fortunately  for  him.  his  grandmother 
assumed  his'  care  and  training.     Like  the  parent  of  old,  who  watched 


over  the  intellectual   and   spiritual   development   of    Timothy,    she 
"brought  him  up  in  the  nurture  and  admonition  of  the  Lord." 

His  opportunities  for  an  education  were  not  large.  To  some 
men  they  would  have  meant  paralysis  of  all  earthly  hope.  The  only 
thing  tliat  he  demanded  was  standing  ground.  Give  him  this  and 
he  would  move  forward.  This  was  given,  and  there  was  steady  ad- 
vancement. Early  in  life,  he  felt  and  heard  the  call  of  God  to 
preach  His  gospel. 

December,  1875,  dates  his  entrance  into  the  South  Carolina  Con- 
ference. Henceforth  his  life  was  consecrated  to  the  uplifting  o^ 
humanity  and  the  glory  of  God.  In  all  his  work  he  was  utterly 
devoid  of  pretense  and  ])olicy.     He  never  wore  two  faces. 

What  he  conceived  to  be  right  received  his  warmest  commendation, 
and  what  he  believed  to  be  wrong  was  condemned  with  all  the  power 
that  he  possessed.  He  occupied  no  middle  ground  in  his  opinion  of 
any  man  or  any  fact. 

He  was  very  diligent  in  his  intellectual  work.  He  bought  and 
mastered  the  best  books.     He  knew  how  to  secure  "the  wheat  and  to 

17-S. 


258  Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


cast  out  the  chaff"  in  hterature.  His  sermons  were  crowded  with 
clear,  plain,  deep  and  very  original  ideas.  Our  Conference  contains 
few  better  preachers  than  our  departed  brother.  If  all  things  are 
considered,  his  life  as  a  preacher  was  a  marvellous  success.  Through 
his  preaching  sinners  were  converted  and  believers  were  firmly  es- 
tablished on  "the  Rock  of  Ages." 

He  was  a  church  builder  and  the  annihilator  of  church  debts.  A 
number  of  beautiful  churches  mark  his  progress  through  the  years. 
He  was  conscious  of  the  fact  that  it  was  an  easy  task  to  build  on 
credit.  He  was  willing  to  struggle  and  labor  that  all  his  church 
buildings  should  be  dedicated  free  of  all  encumbrance.  In  the  provi- 
dence of  God,  he  was  sent  to  various  fields  where  the  people  were 
trembling  before  terrible  debts.  He  was  aware  that  this  was  one 
of  the  deadliest  enemies  that  ever  crossed  the  pathway  of  the  progress 
of  the  church. 

It  required  nerve  and  courage  to  attack  the  foe,  but  he  didn't  falter 
or  hesitate  for  a  single  moment.  His  efforts  were  always  crowned 
with  victory. 

His  home  life  was  his  earthly  Beulah-land.  On  September  13, 
1887,  he  married,  at  Reidville,  N.  C,  Miss  Carrie  Thomas.  His  was 
one  of  those  marriages  made  in  heaven.  He  was  all  devotion,  and 
the  wife  lavished  upon  him  her  truest  love.  Isaac  and  Rebecca  had 
in  them  a  real  parallel.  To  the  good,  sweet  girls  that  God  sent  into 
his  home  he  was  the  kindest  of  fathers. 

His  struggle  to  live,  when  he  was  attacked  by  his  fatal  illness,  was 
truly  wonderful.  The  last  thing  he  proposed  to  do  was  to  surrender. 
The  fight  he  made  must  have  won  the  admiration  of  the  very  angels 
of  God.  When  he  sank  before  death  it  was  with  a  face  stern  with 
courage.  When  he  fell,  on  April  28,  1900,  in  the  old  and  historic 
town  of  Cheraw,  S.  C,  JMethodism  lost  one  of  the  most  dauntless 
men  that  ever  led  her  troops  to  victory. 


Twentieth  Cexturv  Sketches. 


259 


REV.  JOHN  LAUCHLIN  RAY. 

Rev.  John  Lauchlin  Ray  was  born  at  Goklsboro,  X*.  C,  December 
6th,  1861.  On  the  paternal  side  his  ancestors  came  from  the  land  of 
William  Wallace  and  Robert  Bruce.  At  the  battle  of  Culloden  and 
on  other  fields  of  carnage  they  followed  "the  flag  to  the  last  ditch." 


They  knew  how  to  die,  but  not  to  surrender.  His  father,  Rev.  Xeill 
McR.  Ray,  A.  M.  (Trinity  College,  N.  C.,)  was  a  man  of  pure  heart 
and  cultivated  mind.  His  mother,  like  j\Iary,  the  friend  of  Christ, 
walked  every  day  with  God. 

Brother  Ray  received  his  primary  education  from  his  father.  In 
1885  he  entered  the  justly  famed  "Webb  School"  at  Culleoka  and 
Bell  Buckle,  Tenn.  Subsequently  he  matriculated  at  Vanderbilt 
University.  The  opportunities  for  mental  and  spiritual  development 
that  these  institutions  afiforded  were  thoroughly  utilized.  He  was 
converted  at  Pine  Grove  Church,  Robeson  County,  N.  C,  under  the 
ministry  of  Rev.  Ira  T.  Wyche,  August,  1874.  Immediately  "he 
conferred  not  with  flesh  and  blood,"  but  joined  the  Methodist  Epis- 
copal Church,  South.  Twelve  years  later,  March  6th,  1886,  at  Cul- 
leoka, Tenn.,  he  was  licensed  to  preach  the  Gospel.  October,  1888, 
he  was  admitted  on  trial  in  the  Tennessee  Conference.  He  served 
Goodrich  Circuit  one  year  and  was  then  transferred  to  the  South 
Carolina  Conference.  For  ten  years  he  has  done  excellent  work. 
Brother  Ray's  characteristics  arc  these : 

1.  He  is  very  systematic.  For  this  very  reason — with  the  blessing 
of  God — his  revival  services  are  gracious  seasons  of  divine  favor. 

2.  He  believes  in  printers'  ink.  He  knows  the  dynamic  power  that 
there  is  in  a  good  book  and  a  pure  newspaper.  For  this  cause  he 
bends  his  energies  to  place  these  in  the  homes  of  his  people. 


26o  Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 

3.  As  a  church  builder  he  possesses  uncommon  common  sense. 
The  nice  edifices  at  Ebenezer,  in  Chester  County,  and  at  Pinopohs,  in 
Berkeley  County,  are  the  result  of  his  work.  When  the  people  want 
"to  swamp"  themselves  in  debt  for  years  he  holds  them  in  check. 

4.  He  is  faithful  as  pastor  and  preacher.  He  knows  his  people  in 
their  homes  and  when  they  attend  upon  his  ministry  they  realize  that 
they  are  listening  "to  a  sincere  prophet  of  God."  His  message  like 
that  of  St  John  lifts  them  close  to  Heaven.. 

Brother  Ray  was  married  December  10,  1890,  to  Miss  Alice  L. 
Easterling,  of  Marlboro  County,  S.  C.  His  home  life  is  bright  and 
beautiful. 


REV.  T.  B.  REYNOLDS. 

Rev.  Thomas  B.  Reynolds,  son  of  Joseph  and  Winnie  Reynolds, 
who  were  native  South  Carolinians,  was  born  in  Columbia  County, 
Georgia,  April  6,  1848. 

As  a  boy,  he  had  access  to  the  common  schools  of  the  community — 
in  which  he  learned  to  study  and  has  kept  it  up  ever  since.  Though 
deprived  of  a  collegiate  training,  he  applied  himself  studiously  and 
acquired  a  good  degree  of  culture. 

On  November  29,  1870,  he  was  happily  married  to  Miss  Sarah  E. 
Whitefield,  of  Columbia  County,  Georgia,  and  to  them  the  following 
children  have  been  born :  ]\Iary  D.,  Anna,  Sallie  W.,  Hester  R.,  Geo. 
T.,  John  ]\I.  and  Joseph  B.  Of  these,  Hester  R.  and  Anna  have  died 
and  in  Heaven  are  waiting  the  arrival  of  the  other  members  of  the 
family  on  the  happy  shore.  Though  the  family  circle  has  thus  been 
broken,  and  the  home  darkened,  the  home-life  has  been  cheered  by 
the  presence  of  the  Comforter,  who  has  sanctified  the  trials  and 
troubles  to  the  good  of  those  left  here. 

Brother  Reynolds  had  a  long  and  fierce  struggle  with  the  problem 
involved  in  a  Divine  call  to  preach,  but  when  fully  satisfied  that  it 
was  God's  will  for  him  to  preach,  he  cheerfully  accepted  the  work 
and  bravely  entered  the  field  of  conflict.  He  was  thirty-three  years 
old  when  licensed  to  preach.  After  serving  a  year  and  a  half  as  a 
local  preacher,  he  joined  the  Florida  Conference,  January  6,  1886, 
and  traveled  thirteen  years,  serving  faithfully  his  Lord  and  Master. 
In  December,  1898,  he  was  transferred  to  the  South  Carolina  Con- 
ference, and  sent  to  Britton's  Neck  charge,  where  he  did  a  faithful 
year's  work.  At  the  next  session  he  was  sent  to  Conway  Circuit, 
which  he  served  for  1900.  At  this  writing  he  is  pastor  of  Cool 
Springs  charge. 

Brother  Reynolds  has  been  among  us  for  only  a  short  while,  but 
has  made  many  friends,  and  his  labor  gives  promise  of  great  success. 


TuEXTiF.TH  Century  Sketches. 


26  r 


REV.  JOHN  A.  RICE,  A.  M.,  D.  D. 

John  Andrew  Rice  was  born  in  Colleton  County,  S.  C,  Sep- 
tember 25,  1862.  His  father  was  R.  B.  Rice,  ]\I.  D.,  of  Irish  descent. 
His  mother's  maiden  name  was  Rachel  Jane  Liston,  of  Scotch 
lineage,  her  father  having  come  directly  from  Scotland. 


His  preparatory  education  was  obtained  in  the  usual  country 
schools  and  the  Sheridan  Classical  Institute,  Orangeburg,  S.  C,  to 
which  institution  he  was  sent,  at  the  age  of  fourteen,  by  his  sisters. 
He  entered  here  in  1878.  completing  the  course,  with  much  extra 
work  besides,  in  1881.  He  then  taught  school  till  the  fall  of  1882, 
when  he  entered  the  Sophomore  class  at  the  South  Carolina  College, 
graduating  therefrom,  with  highest  honors,  in  1885.  Immediately 
after  Mr.  Rice's  graduation,  he  was  elected  tutor  in  the  Greek  de- 
partment, taking  a  post  graduate  course  in  the  college  and  a  course 
at  the  Columbia  Theological  Seminary  at  the  same  time.  \Miile  in 
college  he  was  highly  honored  by  his  fellow  students,  being  elected 
several  times  to  represent  the  Clariosophic  Society  in  public :  and 
was  valedictorian  of  his  class.  He  was  offered  a  scholarship  at 
Yale,  but  could  not  accept.  He  took  the  A.  M.  degree  from  his  alma 
mater,  and  in  1894  was  honored  with  the  degree  of  Doctor  Divini- 
tatis  by  the  same  college,  being  the  youngest  man  ever  thus  honored. 

From  childhood,  ]\Ir.  Rice  had  an  impression  that  God  would 
call  him  to  preach.  As  he  grew  in  years  this  impression  deepened. 
In  order  to  be  perfectly  satisfied  as  to  the  call,  he  laid  down  certain 
conditions.     One  bv  one  these  were  met.  and  he  vielded  himself  to 


262  Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 

the  work.  He  joined  the  South  CaroHna  Conference  in  December, 
1886,  and  has  served  the  following  charges :  Junior  preacher  on 
Bennettsville  Circuit,  1887;  Kingstree  Circuit,  1888;  Darlington 
Station,  1889-92;  Washington  Street,  Columbia,  1893-4;  President 
Columbia  Female  College,  1895- 1900.  Great  success  attended  the 
efforts  of  Mr.  Rice  in  every  pastorate  served.  Bold,  aggressive, 
zealous,  he  could  not  but  succeed  in  his  work.  But,  doubtless,  his 
best  work  was  done  as  President  of  Columbia  Female  College.  It 
was  by  his  wise  leadership  that  the  whole  institution  was  reorganized 
and  modernized,  the  building  being  remodeled,  the  class-room  work 
reconstructed  and  the  standard  raised  until  the  college  was  put  on  a 
footing  with  the  best  male  colleges.  The  work  here  raised  the  stand- 
ard of  woman's  education  throughout  the  State.  With  a  burning 
desire  for  greater  scholarship,  he  resigned  the  presidency  of  the  col- 
lege in  1900  and  entered  the  University  of  Chicago,  where,  at  this 
writing,  he  is  taking  the  courses  leading  to  the  degree  of  Doctor  of 
Philosophy. 

Dr.  Rice  was  married  on  April  13,  1887,  at  Lynchburg,  S.  C,  to 
Miss  Anna  Belle  Smith,  daughter  of  Rev.  and  Mrs.  William  H. 
Smith.  Of  this  union  were  born :  John  Andrew,  Liston  McLeod, 
Coke  Smith.     Mrs.  Rice  died  April  18,  1899. 

Dr.  Rice  has  been  employed  to  write  for  some  of  the  leading  re- 
views and  has  ever  written  articles  of  great  value.  Many  strong 
efforts  have  been  made  to  draw  him  away  from  South  Carolina,  bemg 
offered  even  double  the  salary  he  was  receiving,  but  he  has  preferred 
his  native  State. 

It  goes  without  controversy  that  Dr.  Rice  is  one  of  the  strongest 
preachers  ever  produced  in  South  Carolina.  He  is  a  hard  student, 
original  thinker,  and  a  preacher  of  rare  ability.  Those  who  are  ad- 
mitted to  the  sacred  precincts  of  his  friendship  find  in  him  the  warm- 
est ties  of  affection  and  the  true  sensibilities  of  refined  manhood 
beautifullv  blended. 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


263 


REV.  W.  R.  RICHARDSON.  D.  D. 

The  subject  of  this  sketch,  Rev.  William  Reed  Richardson,  is  a 
leader  in  South  Carolina  Methodism.  He  is  the  son  of  Mr.  Sion  T. 
Richardson  and  Mrs.  Barbara  A.  Richardson  (jicc  Gambill),  and 
was  born  October  24,  1855. 


His  educational  advantages  have  been  of  the  very  best  kind. 
After  the  usual  training  in  the  schools  of  the  country,  he  entered 
Wofiford  College  and  graduated  from  this  institution  in  June,  1877. 
Wishing  to  be  still  better  prepared  for  his  great  life  work,  he  went 
to  Vanderbilt  University,  where  he  spent  one  year,  making  a  good 
record  and  winning  the  "Founder's  Medal"  for  proficiency  in  ora- 
torv.  He  was  popular  in  college,  having  the  admiration  of  the 
student  body  and  the  confidence  of  the  faculty.  If  a  man's  college 
record  is  a  prophecy  of  his  future  life,  W.  R.  Richardson  will  finish 
a  career  eminently  worthy  of  emulation.  In  June,  lyoi,  \\  otlord 
College  conferred  on  him  the  honorary  degree  of  D.  D. 

"Man  proposes,  but  God  disposes."  Brother  Richardson  first 
mapped  out  his  plans  for  the  practice  of  medicine,  and  studied  for 
awhile  with  this  profession  in  view.  Becoming  dissatisfied  with 
this,  he  then  read  law.  but  soon  found  that  that  was  not  to  be  his 
life  work.  God  had  decided  that  this  young  man  should  preach 
the  ''unsearchable  riches  of  Christ,"  and  so  impressed  him.  The  call 
was  so  clear  that  he  realized  that  to  refuse  it  would  be  at  the  peril 


264  Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


of  his  soul.  So  he  yielded  and  put  all  his  ransomed  powers  at  the 
divine  disposal. 

Brother  Richardson  joined  the  Conference  in  December,  1878,  at 
Newberry,  Bishop  W.  M.  Wightman  presiding.  He  was  trans- 
ferred to  California  at  that  session  and  spent  his  first  year  in  the 
ministry — 1879 — on  the  Pacific  coast.  He  then  returned  to  South 
Carolina,  and  has  served  as  follows:  Darlington  Station,  1880;  Wil- 
liamston  Circuit,  1881  (He  spent  only  six  months  here,  and  was 
transferred  to  Orangeburg  Station,  and  served  there  until  Con- 
ference) ;  Orangeburg  Station,  1882-3;  Abbeville  Station,  1884-5; 
Washington  Street,  Columbia,  1886-9  ^  Central  Church,  Spartanburg. 
1890-2;  Trinity,  Charleston,  1893-6;  Anderson  Station,  1897-8; 
Washington  Street,  Columbia,  1899- 1900;  Central  Church,  Spar- 
tanburg, 1 90 1. 

On  August  II,  1881,  Brother  Richardson  was  married  to  INIiss 
Lena  Jefifords,  of  Orangeburg,  S.  C.  The  following  are  the  names 
of  the  children  born  unto  them:  :^Iary  J.,  Willie  R.,  Theodore  J., 
and  Wallace  R.  The  second  one,  Willie  R.,  has  passed  to  the  life 
beyond. 

Brother  Richardson  is  a  man  of  rare  pulpit  ability.  His  sermons 
bear  all  the  marks  of  a  student  and  a  thinker,  and  they  are  delivered 
in  a  pleasant  and  effective  manner.  Large  congregations  attend 
upon  his  ministry.  His  close  application  to  the  study,  however, 
does  not  prevent  his  meeting  the  requirements  of  pastoral  work. 
He  loves  men,  and  associates  with  them.  He  is  held  in  high  esteem 
by  his  brethren  of  the  Conference,  and  has  often  been  placed  by  them 
in  positions  of  honor  and  trust.  He  was  among  those  honored  by 
us  in  election  as  delegates  to  the  last  General  Conference. 


%)^ 


Twentieth  Cextlrv  Sketches. 


2^-5 


REV.  B.  M.  ROBERTSON. 

Benjamin  Murray  Roliertson,  son  of  James  and  Sally  S.  Robert- 
son, was  born  at  Smith ville,  S.  C,  December  26,  1868,  and  reared 
on  the  farm  of  his  father,  going  to  school  during  the  public  school 
terms  and  working  on  tlie  farm  the  rest  of  the  time.     In  the  fall  of 


1889  he  left  home  and  boarded  at  Mr.  Oliver  McLeod's.  at  Oswego. 
S.  C,  and  attended  the  Bethel  Academy,  then  in  charge  of  Prof. 
Giles  L.  \Mlson  of  the  class  of  1889,  Wofford  College.  The  next 
year  he  entered  the  newly  organized  school  at  Smithville,  S.  C,  then 
in  charge  of  Prof.  \\'.  A.  Massebeau,  now  the  Rev.  W.  A.  ^lasse- 
beau  of  the  South  Carolina  Conference,  where  for  two  years  he  pur- 
sued his  studies  preparatory  to  entering  Wofford  College.  He  en- 
tered Wofford  College  in  Octol)er.  1892.  and  was  for  two  years  a 
student  there,  finishing  the  sophomore  class  June.  1894. 

The  next  two  scholastic  years  were  spent  in  teaching,  one  year  at 
Smithville,  S.  C.  and  the  other  at  Ionia,  S.  C.  He  was  admitted  on 
trial  into  the  South  Carolina  Conference  at  Rock  Hill.  S.  C.  Decem- 
ber, 1895,  and  appointed  by  Bishop  Charles  B.  Galloway  to  the 
Wateree  Circuit,  Sumter  District,  where  he  servetl  for  two  years. 
He  was  ordained  deacon  by  Bishop  W.  W.  Duncan  at  Florence.  S. 
C,  December.  1897,  and  sent  to  the  Camden  Circuit,  where  he  la- 
bored for  one  year,  being  removed  by  Bishoj)  W  .  W.  Dinican  at  the 
Greenwood  Conference.   December.    i8g8.  and  sent  to  the   Pelham 


266 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


and  Batesville  charge,  Greenville  District.  He  was  ordained  elder 
at  Orangeburg,  S.  C,  December  lo,  1899,  by  Bishop  Joseph  S.  Key, 
and  returned  to  the  Pelham  and  Batesville  charge  for  the  year  1900. 

At  this  writing  Brother  Robertson  is  unmarried,  but  his  present 
condition  is  only  a  temporary  arrangement,  to  be  remedied  as  early 
as  possible. 

He  has  faithfully  and  heroically  entered  upon  the  work  of  an  itin- 
erant Methodist  preacher,  having  consecrated  his  powers  to  the  Lord, 
and  has  a  promising  career  before  him.  His  friends  are  expecting 
great  things  of  him  and  will  not  be  disappointed. 


REV.  J.  MARION  ROGERS,  A.  M. 

The  subject  of  this  sketch  was  born  near  Mullins,  Marion  County, 
S.  C,  August  28,  1862.  He  comes  from  good  stock.  His  father, 
T.  B.  Rogers,  was  a  man  of  strict  integrity:  and  his  mother,  ?^Iary 
Hays    Rogers,    possesses   noble    qualities.     From   boyhood   he    had 


strong  religious  impressions.  When  fifteen  years  old  he  joined  the 
Methodist  Church,  and  about  three  years  later  he  was  clearly  con- 
verted. Soon  after  this  there  came  to  him  the  unmistakable  call  to 
preach.     To  his  mind  this  was  no   small  work   to  be  undertaken 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches.  267 


lightly.  So,  in  accordance  with  his  high  conception  of  duty,  he 
began  to  make  preparation  for  this  sacred  work.  In  1882  he  entered 
Trinity  College,  X.  C,  and  completed  the  year's  work  with  distinc- 
tion. October  i,  1883,  he  entered  the  Freshman  class  in  Wofford 
College,  Spartanburg,  S.  C.  His  college  course  was  a  success  in 
every  sense  of  the  word.  Dr.  Carlisle  said  of  him:  "Du.ing  his 
entire  college  course  he  never  gave  the  faculty  one  an.xious  moment." 
To  say  that  every  student  of  those  days  loved  Marion  Rogers  would 
be  but  a  simple  statement  of  the  truth.  In  the  class-room  his  stand 
was  high,  his  name  appearing  each  year  upon  the  distinction  list. 
His  Christian  influence,  too,  was  strongly  felt.  He  graduated  in 
Tune.  1887,  taking  the  A.  B.  degree.  In  June,  1891,  he  received  the 
A.  M.  degree,  also,  from  his  alma  mater. 

After  graduation,  he  taught  school  two  years  in  his  native  county. 
In  October,  1888,  he  was  licensed  to  preach  by  the  Quarterly  Con- 
ference of  the  present  North  Mullins  Circuit,  within  the  bounds  of 
which  he  was  born  and  reared.  In  November,  1889.  he  was  ad- 
mitted on  trial  in  the  South  Carolina  Conference,  at  Camden,  and 
was  appointed  junior  preacher  on  Alullins  Circuit.  In  May  follow- 
ing he  was  removed  to  Camden  Station  to  succeed  Rev.  E.  J. 
Meynardie,  D.  D.,  whose  ill  health  had  forced  him  to  give  up  the 
work.  In  both  these  appointments  he  worked  acceptably  and  suc- 
cessfully. In  1890-92  he  was  professor  of  English  and  Latin  in  the 
Columbia  Female  College.  Close  confinement  and  studious  habits 
impaired  his  health,  and  in  June,  1892,  he  resigned  his  position  to 
re-enter  the  pastorate. 

In  1892  he  was  appointed  to  York  Circuit,  but  being  prostrated 
bv  disease,  he  was  never  able  to  take  charge  of  the  work.  Since 
1893  his  relation  to  the  Conference  has  been  that  of  supernumerary. 
His  enforced  inactivity  has  been  a  great  trial  to  him,  but  he  has 
borne  it  with  beautiful  Christian  spirit. 

He  was  ordained  Deacon  by  Bishop  J.  C.  Granbcry  in  189 1.  He 
expects  to  resume  active  work  at  the  approaching  Conference  ( 1900) . 
He  loves  his  Church  and  all  her  institutions.  He  is  in  sympathy 
with  all  her  movements.  He  is  loyal  to  her  every  interest.  He 
possesses  the  highest  sense  of  honor  and  the  most  exalted  ideas  of 
noble  manhood. 


268 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


REV.  WM.  A.  ROGERS. 

In  Bishopville,  S.  C,  on  the  29th  day  of  September,  1849,  William 
Anson  Rogers  first  saw  the  light.  He  came  into  the  world  with  a 
goodly  heritage.  His  father,  William  Rogers,  was  a  man  of  sterling 
integrity,  indomitable  will,  abounding  energy,  a  devoted  Christian. 


His  marriage  with  Anna  Jane  ]\IcCallum  was  a  love  match,  and  they 
were  lovers  ever  afterwards.  Their  home  was  essen'tially  a  Christian 
home.  Mr.  Rogers  was  a  merchant.  His  money  was  not  hoarded 
to  fill  the  purses  of  his  grown-up  children,  but  was  used  to  make 
them  men  and  women  after  the  Divine  pattern,  and  one  element — and 
a  large  one — in  this  work  was  a  home  whose  sweet  attractiveness 
won  and  held  the  love  of  every  child.  The  best  culture  the  schools 
and  colleges  afiforded  was  given  to  the  children.  The  family  altar 
fires  burned  continually.  The  atmosphere  was  pure,  cultured,  Chris- 
tian. 

William  had  the  advantage  of  the  example  and  help  of  an  older 
brother  and  five  sisters.  Such  influences  upon  a  mind  and  heart 
rich  in  good  qualities  by  right  of  inheritance  had  their  legitimate 
effect.  His  life  was  exemplary  from  his  childhood,  yet  he  felt  while 
still  a  youth  the  need  of  the  regenerating  power  of  grace.  This  he 
sought  and  found  in  a  conscious  experience. 

In  1867  he  went  to  W^ashington  College  (now  Washington  and 
Lee  University),  then  presided  over  by  that  prince  of  men.  Gen. 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches.  2tig 

Robert  E.  Lee.  To  have  touched  upon  that  great  man  was  worth 
much  to  any  youth,  and  its  influence  was  not  lost  upon  W'illiam  A. 
Rogers.  Love  of  truth,  devotion  to  the  right  and  unswerving  and 
uncomplaining  perseverance  in  the  path  of  duty  are  characteristic  of 
the  pupil  as  they  were  of  his  first  college  president. 

In  1868,  Rogers,  with  commendatory  letters  from  Gen.  Lee, 
matriculated  as  a  Freshman  in  W'ofiford  College,  from  which  institu- 
tion he  was  graduated  in  June.  1872,  with  sixteen  others.  He  was 
chosen  by  his  classmates  as  valedictorian.  During  his  college  course 
he  settled  the  question  of  his  call  to  the  ministry,  and  at  Anderson,  in 
December,  1872,  he  was  received  on  trial  into  the  Conference.  From 
that  time  until  now  his  life  has  been  before  the  eyes  of  his  brethren, 
and  they  are  ready  with  their  "well  done." 

The  class  of  appointments  filled  by  him  attest  his  ability  as  a 
preacher ;  the  steady  growth  of  the  church  under  his  pastoral  care 
vouches  for  his  efficiency  as  an  administrator;  but  only  the  judgment 
day  can  reveal  the  good  he  has  done,  not  by  his  preaching  only,  but 
by  his  life.  As  a  pastor,  he  is  sympathetic,  tender,  faithful;  as  a 
friend,  true  to  the  core ;  as  a  man  among  men,  a  gentleman.  St. 
James'  definition  of  religion  finds  living  expression  in  the  life  of 
W'illiam  A.  Rogers:  "Pure  religion  and  undefiled  before  God  and 
the  Father  is  this :  to  visit  the  fatherless  and  widow  in  their  affliction, 
and  to  keep  himself  unspotted  from  the  world." 

On  March  22d,  1876,  the  subject  of  this  sketch  was  married  to 
INIiss  Annie  ]\L  Anderson,  of  Alabama.  .\  most  fortunate  alliance 
it  was.  In  the  home,  the  community,  the  work  of  the  Church,  Mrs. 
Rogers  has  contributed  greatly  to  her  husband's  success.  Seven 
children  have  blessed  their  union — Julien  Carlisle,  W'm.  Anderson, 
Carroll  Pickens,* Frank  Cowles,  Ralph  Holland,  Allen  Livingstone 
and  Annie  Mclver.     W'm.  A.,  Jr..  is  with  God. 

Brother  Rogers  has  served  the  following  charges :  Lynchburg, 
Sumter,  Lancaster,  Winnsboro,  Johnston.  Greenwood.  Marion. 
Trinity  (Charleston).  Central  (Spartanburg).  Buncombe  Street 
(Greenville),  St.  Paul's  (Orangeburg). 

^Ir.  Rogers  has  ever  been  a  strong  friend  of  Woflford  College. 
He  was  elected  as  a  trustee  of  the  college  in  1886,  and  has  faithfully 
served  ever  since. 


270 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


REV.  J.  C.  ROPER. 

It  is  not  surprising  that  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  Rev.  John  C. 
Roper,  is  a  thoroughgoing  Methodist.  His  paternal  grandfather 
was  acknowledged  by  three  Presiding  Elders  to  be  the  best  Steward 
thev  had  ever  seen.     He  was  also  a  Sunday  School  Superintendent 


and  no  man  was  ever  more  loyal  to  his  Church.  The  subject's  father 
was  also  a  thorough  Methodist,  but  not  so  active'in  Church  work. 
He  was  a  successful  merchant,  but  died  at  the  age  of  thirty-eight 
years.  His  great-grandmother  was  a  Miss  IMcLaurin  and  came  to 
this  country  from  Scotland. 

Brother  Roper  was  born  near  Clio,  S.  C,  November  4,  1873. 
When  he  was  only  five  years  old,  his  mother  died,  leaving  only  two 
children,  the  other  child  being  now  the  wife  of  Rev.  R.  A.  Child  of 
the  South  Carolina  Conference.  Young  Roper  attended  school  in 
his  native  community,  dividing  his  time  between  the  school,  the  store, 
and  the  farm,  until  he  was  sixteen  years  old.  After  the  death  of 
his  father,  he  farmed  on  his  own  account  until  the  fall  of  1892.  He 
then  entered  Wofiford  College  where  he  remained  till  June,  1896, 
when  he  graduated.  Soon  after  commencement,  he  was  appointed 
to  supply  the  work  at  Swansea,  filling  out  an  unexpired  pastorate  of 
another. 

Brother  Roper  was  converted  in  August,  1892.  The  change  was 
after  the  manner  of  the  old-time  conversions,  changing  the  whole 


Twentieth  Cexturv  Sketches. 


271 


current  of  his  life.  Two  months  later  he  was  at  W'oflford  College, 
as  stated  above,  feeling  that  there  was  a  larger  life  for  him.  Two 
years  latei-  the  divine  call,  clear  and  unmistakable,  came  to  him,  and 
he  was  licensed  to  preach.  In  December,  1896,  he  was  received  on 
trial  m-.o  the  Conference  with  Sidi  B.  Harper,  D.  W.  Kellar,  W.  C. 
Kirkland,  F.  H.  Shuler,  Foster  Speer  and  W.  H.  Thrower. 

He  has  served  as  follows:  Union  Mills,  Spartanburg  District, 
1897-8;  Greers  Circuit,  1899-1900-1.  The  reader  will  see  that  he  has 
just  begun  his  itinerant  career,  but  the  success  in  these  two  charge* 
foretokens  a  life  of  great  fruit  fulness.  He  is  a  zealous  pastor  and 
popular  preacher. 

On  June  14,  1898,  Brother  Roper  was  married  to  Miss  Edith 
]Moselev,  of  Orangeburg,  S.  C.     They  have  one  child — John  C,  Jr. 


REV.  JESSE  E.  RUSHTON. 

The  Rev.  Jesse  E.  Rushton  is  one  of  our  wisest  and  most  willing 
workers.  Clear-headed  and  clean-hearted  he  rapidly  sees  the  thing 
to  do  and  then  steadily  does  it.  He  has  ability  of  various  kinds,  but 
is  peculiarly  able  in  practical  afifairs. 


He  is  the  son  of  Bcniamin  and  Harriet  Rushton  and  was  born  in 


Edgefield  (now  Saluda)  County,  August  21,  1848. 


Owing  to  the 


272  Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 

Civil  War  his  early  opportunities  for  an  education  were  very  poor. 
At  the  age  of  twenty-one  he  had  scarcely  made  any  advance  in  that 
direction,  but  he  was  not  the  man  to  stay  in  that  condition.  With 
a  heroism  equal  to  that  of  Marshal  Ney  at  the  River  Neime,  he 
prepared  himself  for  college.  When  he  matriculated  at  Wofford 
College  it  was  a  day  of  triumph.  From  this  institution  he  grad- 
uated with  honor  June  5,  1872. 

He  was  converted  September  3,  1869,  and  on  that  day  he  joined 
the  Church.  From  that  hour  he  has  been  a  splendid  worker  for  God. 
Called  to  preach,  he  obeyed  and  was  licensed  September  17,  1875. 
He  was  admitted  into  the  South  Carolina  Conference  December  14, 
1881.  He  has  served  the  following  Circuits:  Edisto,  Cokesbury, 
Abbeville,  Tradesville,  Clyde,  Lamar.  Johnsonville,  Oswego,  Easley 
and  Bethesda  and  is  now  in  charge  of  Lake  City. 

Brother  Rushton  preaches  strong,  sensible  sermons.  Often  they 
are  delivered  with  great  power.  He  is  an  extra  fine  pastor  and  is  a 
most  valuable  counsellor  of  his  people  in  secular  and  spiritual  things. 
His  revival  services  are  very  successful. 

The  writer  has  been  his  friend  for  many  years.  He  knows  the 
man  and  his  work  and  he  does  not  hesitate  to  say  that  he  is  one  of  the 
most  valuable  men  in  any  Church  in  South  Carolina.  While  not 
neglecting  the  work  of  a  true  minister  of  the  Gospel,  he  has  managed 
to  "lay  by  something  for  a  rainy  day."  This  has  not  been  by  secur- 
ing large  salaries,  but  by  the  inexorable  practice  of  living  on  less 
than  he  was  paid — be  the  salary  ever  so  small. 

On  November  27,  1883,  he  married  Miss  Nora  Lee  Harmon,  of 
Newberry,  S.  C.  To  them  God  has  given  eight  children — two  of 
them  are  at  home  in  Heaven.  As  a  man,  he  is  frank,f earless  and 
friendly.  As  a  Christian,  he  is  devoted,  steadfast  and  happy.  The 
old-time  ^Methodists  would  say  of  him  "that  he  enjoys  religion." 

The  success  of  our  brother  in  building  up  charges  has  been  re- 
markable. Everywhere  he  has  gone,  the  cause  of  Christ  has  greatly 
advanced.  Today  he  numbers  all  over  the  State  his  friends  by  the 
thousands.  When  he  reaches  the  shining  shore  there  will  be  many 
others  to  give  him  a  glad  welcome. 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


2/3 


REV.  GEO.  R.  SHAFFER. 

Rev.  George  R.  Shaffer  was  horn  in  Edgctiehl  Connty,  S.  C,  fan- 
nary  2^,  1853.  H^  remained  at  the  place  of  his  hirth,  lahoring  when 
he  was  old  enongh  for  the  supi)ort  of  his  parents,  to  whom  he  was 
devoted,  until  the  year  1881.     He  had  such  educational  advantages 


as  the  ordinary  country  boy  had  at  that  time.  In  January,  1881,  he 
went  to  Batesburg,  S.  C,  where  he  received  instruction  at  the  hands 
of  Prof.  E.  K.  Hardin.  At  the  end  of  the  session,  Professor  Hardin 
moved  to  Black ville,  S.  C,  where  he  taught  for  one  year,  young 
Shaffer  going  w'ith  him  and  remaining  under  his  instruction.  From 
this  place,  the  professor  went  to  W'illiamston,  S.  C,  Brother  Shaffer 
also  going  with  him.  Thus  we  see  our  young  friend  had  evidently 
matriculated  with  a  "moving  institution."  After  a  year  at  William- 
ston  Professor  Hardin  decided  to  read  medicine,  thus  the  relation 
w-as  broken.  Brother  Shaffer  speaks  in  highest  terms  of  his  old 
teacher  and  his  wife.  After  this  school  life  of  our  good  brother  was 
interrupted,  he  began  teaching.  He  taught  from  the  summer  of 
1883  till  the  winter  of  1887. 

He  joined  the  Church  in  September.  1872.  and  was  happily  con- 
verted on  the  second  Sunday  in  June,  1873,  while  alone  in  the  woods. 
He  was  licensed  to  preach  in  1878;  w^as  ordained  Deacon  at  the  ses- 
sion of  the  Conference  in  1884;  was  ordained  Elder  in  1888,  having 
served  that  year  as  junior  preacher  on  the  Lexington  Circuit.     He 

18— S. 


274 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


was  admitted  into  the  South  Carohna  Conference  on  trial  in  Novem- 
ber, 1888,  with  Nicholas  G.  Balleng-er,  Thomas  M.  Dent,  Pierce  F. 
Kilgo,  Henry  C.  Aloiizon,  John  L.  Ray,  Robert  E.  Stackhouse,  Elbe 
P.  Taylor,  E.  Alston  Wilkes,  and  \\\  Asbury  Wright. 

Brother  Shaffer  was  married  February  14,  1889,  to  ]\Iiss  Kate  P. 
Neeley.  They  have  four  children :  George  Edward,  born  April  26, 
1890;  Joseph  Austin,  born  March  27,  1893;  Haygood  Neeley,  born 
December  28,  1895  ;  Sarah  Elizabeth,  born  December  31,  1897. 

Brother  Shaffer,  in  his  characteristically  quiet  way,  is  doing  a 
great  work  for  the  Lord.  He  preaches  well  and  keeps  his  eye  upon 
all  the  movements  of  the  Church  in  his  charge.  The  Lord  blesses  his 
labors  and  crowns  his  efforts  with  success. 


REV.  JOHN  W.  SHELL. 

The  ancients  believed  that  ^^•hene^'er  a  man  laughed  his  liver 
turned  over,  and  that  gave  rise  to  tlie  expression,  "Laugh  and  grow 
fat."  The  subject  of  this  sketch  has  evidently  given  an  illustration 
of  the  correctness  of  the  theory.     His  big  heart  is  full  of  joy  which 


finds  an  outlet  through  his  face  and  he  scatters  sunshine  wherever 
he  goes. 

Rev.  John  William  Shell,  son  of  Mr.  Floyd  C.  and  Mrs.  Matilda 


TwEXTiETH  Century  Sketches.  275 

Shell,  was  born  in  Virginia,  March  15,  1853.  He  was  educated  in 
the  common  and  high  schools  of  Southwest  Virginia  and  at  the 
Preston  and  Olin  Institute,  located  at  Blacksburg,  \"a.,  where  he  took 
an  academic  course.  In  these  schools  fidelity  to  duty  characterized 
him  so  he  came  from  them  with  a  good  foundation  laid  for  future 
work. 

Brother  Shell  was  converted  in  December,  1870,  in  his  eighteenth 
year  while  at  college  at  Blacksburg.  Dr.  P.  H.  W'hisner  was  presi- 
dent of  the  Institute  and  took  great  interest  in  the  spiritual  welfare 
of  the  students.  Young  Shell  joined  the  Church  soon  afterwards 
and  began  work  in  the  Young  ]\Ien's  Prayer  Meeting.  He  soon  felt 
called  to  preach.  The  impression  gradually  grew  upon  him  until 
August,  1883,  when  it  was  settled  once  for  all.  He  joined  the  South 
Carolina  Conference  at  the  session  held  in  Camden,  November,  1889, 
Jefferson  S.  Abercrombie,  Albert  H.  Best,  Rufus  A.  Child,  J.  R. 
Copeland,  George  W.  Davis,  ^^'illiam  H.  Hodges,  Melvin  B.  Kelly, 
John  Planning,  J.  ]*^Iarion  Rogers,  Whitefoord  S.  Stokes,  Artemas 

B.  Watson  and  J.  A.  White  joining  at  the  same  time. 

He  has  served  as  follows:  Clifton  Circuit,  1890-1 ;  North  Laurens 
Circuit,  1892-5;  Fountain  Inn  Circuit,  1896-99;  Reidville  Circuit, 
1900-1901. 

He  was  ordained  Deacon  by  Bishop  J.  C.  Keener  at  Camden,  S. 

C,  and  Elder  by  Bishop  Hargrove  in  Sumter,  S.  C. 

On  December  6,  1887,  Brother  Shell  was  married  to  Miss  Mantie 
Louise  Macomson,  of  Mercer,  S.  C,  the  ceremony  being  performed 
by  Rev.  John  B.  Wilson.  Four  children  have  resulted  from  this 
union — IMartha  Louise,  \^ernon  ^IcTyeire,  Ellis  Draper,  and 
Charleton  Carlisle. 

Our  friend  is  an  earnest  preacher.  His  hearers  are  impressed 
with  the  fact  that  he  longs  to  do  them  good  and  to  help  them  to  a 
better  life.  With  a  heart  such  as  he  has,  he  could  not  but  be  a  sym- 
pathetic and  helpful  pastor. 


REV.  F.  HAWKINS  SHULER. 

The  Rev.  Frederick  Hawkins  Shuler  is  bound  to  be  one  of  our 
most  useful  and  successful  members.  With  sound  judgment,  large 
knowledge  of  men,  wide  experience,  untiring  industry  and  unceasing 
energv  he  "brings  things  to  pass"  where  many  would  deem  it  useless 
to  try. 

He  is  the  son  of  Frederick  and  Jane  (Jones)  Shuler,  and  was  born 
in  Berkeley  County,  S.  C,  October  3.  1867.  He  was  converted  and 
joined  the  IMethodist  Church  in  18S6  at  a  meeting  at  Bethlehem 
Church  conducted  bv  Rev.  \\'.  H.  Kirton.     The  dav  after  conver- 


2^6  Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


sion  he  felt  called  to  preach,  but  could  not  at  once  see  his  way  to 
obey  the  call.  In  December,  1886,  he  left  the  State  and  spent  two 
and  a  half  years  traveling  in  the  Northwest,  visiting  fifteen  different 
States  and  Territories — providing  the  means  by  his  own  efforts. 
Fully  determined  at  last  to  obey  God's  call  to  the  ministry,  he  re- 
turned to  South  Carolina.  With  him  the  call  to  preach  was  a  call 
to  prepare  himself  for  his  high  vocation.  At  this  time  he  had  just 
$5.00,  but  was  not  discouraged.  He  had  in  childhood  and  youth 
attended  the  "neighborhood  schools."  He  began  anew  by  going  to 
Sheridan's  High  School,  in  Orangeburg,  for  one  year.  In  January, 
1 89 1,  he  entered  the  Senior  class  in  Wofford  Fitting  School,  ad- 
vanced in  October  to  the  college,  and  in  June,  1895,  graduated  with 
the  largest  class  that  ever  went  out  of  the  historic  institution.  All 
these  seven  years  of  study  he  had  no  financial  help,  and  by  his  own 
labor  he  struggled  to  the  goal  he  had  set  for  himself. 

From  August  to  December,  1895,  he  supplied  Kelton  Circuit,  and 
in  the  same  manner  he  served  North  Greenville  Circuit  the  year  fol- 
lowing. In  December,  1896,  he  was  admitted  on  trial  in  the  South 
Carolina  Conference,  and  was  sent  to  North  Greenville  again.  He 
was  appointed  to  Starr  and  Iva  for  1898,  Union  Mills,  1899-1900, 
and  to  Aiken  Station  for  1901.  He  was  ordained  Deacon  by  Bishop 
Galloway,  at  Rock  Hill,  in  1895,  and  Elder  by  Bishop  Hargrove,  at 
Chester,  in  1900. 

Brother  Shuler  is  an  earnest,  impressive  preacher,  whose  sermons 
are  enforced  by  the  Holy  Spirit.  He  is  a  zealous  pastor — interested 
in  all  that  concerns  his  people,  from  the  smallest  secular  aft'airs  to 
the  holiest  privileges  opened  to  them  by  Divine  grace.  The  material 
development  of  his  charges  is  never  overlooked.  He  has  been  a 
builder  and  repairer  of  church  buildings  and  parsonages — without 
neglecting  the  weightier  matters  of  salvation.  All  the  duties  of  a 
Methodist  preacher-in-charge  are  energetically  and  faithfully  dis- 
charged bv  him.  He  works — and  working-men  never  fail.  In 
everv  one  of  his  charges  he  has  been  successful — building  them  up 
in  material  and  spiritual  things. 

On  October  12th,  1898,  he  married  Aliss  Mary  Whitmire,  of 
Greenville  County,  who  has  been  a  true  helpmeet  in  all  his  work. 
It  was  the  privilege  of  the  writer  and  Rev.  G.  C.  Leonard  to  unite 
the  pair  in  holy  matrimony.  One  child — little  ]\Iartha — has  bright- 
ened the  home  of  these  earnest  Christians. 


Twentieth  Centurv  Sketches. 


'■// 


REV.  J.  F.  SIILY. 

Rev.  John  Lanilj  Sifly  is  a  Charlestonian,  having  been  born  in  that 
city  June  lo,  1839.  He  is  the  son  of  Mr.  John  and  Mrs.  Maria 
Amney  Sifly. 

Having  had  good  primary  training,  young  Sifly  was  sent  to 
Cokesburv  Conference  School  where  he  was  well  prepared  for  col- 


lege. He  fully  intended  taking  a  college  course,  but  was  prevailed 
upon  by  Rev.  James  Stacey,  Presiding  Elder  of  the  Orangeburg  Dis- 
trict, to  supply  the  place  of  junior  preacher  on  the  Blackville  Circuit 
for  i860,  which  he  did  till  the  next  session  of  the  Conference.  Being 
then  in  the  work  and  having  an  increasing  desire  to  save  souls,  he 
abandoned  the  idea  of  going  to  college  and  ap])lied  for  admission  on 
trial  into  the  Conference  December,  i860,  and  was  admitted  with 
N.  K.  jMelton,  J.  A.  Wood  and  J.  J.  Workman. 

The  following  is  a  list  of  his  appointments,  with  dates :  Wil- 
liamston  Circuit,  1861  ;  Sumter  Circuit.  1862 ;  Summerville  Cir- 
cuit, 1863-4;  Orangeburg  Circuit,  1865-6;  I'pper  Orange  Cir- 
cuit, 1867;  St.  George  Circuit,  1868-9;  Lower  St.  Matthews, 
1870;  Santee  Circuit,  1871-2;  Edisto  Circuit.  1873-4;  Walterboro 
Circuit,  1875-8;  Cokesbury  Circuit,  1879-80;  Black  Swamp  Circuit, 
1881-4;  Graham's  Circuit,'  1885-8;  Lower  St.  :Matthews.  1889;  Al- 
lendale Circuit,  1890-2;  Pacolet  Circuit.  1893-4;  Claussen  Circuit, 
1895;  Lexington  Fork  Circuit.  1897.     At  the  close  of  1897.  he  was 


278  Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


placed  on  the  superannuate  relation,  and  still  belongs  to  this  "honor 
roll"  of  the  Conference. 

Our  friend  was  married  on  December  5,  i860,  to  Miss  Sue  F. 
Townsend,  daughter  of  Rev.  Joel  W.  Townsend.  The  following  are 
their  children :  INIariamney  VVaneta,  now  Mrs.  Dr.  R.  C.  Williams ; 
McAlma  T.,  Caroline  Lillian,  now  Mrs.  Dr.  J.  L.  Jefferies ;  Milton 
L.,  John  Marvin.  Two  others,  Milton  T.  and  Sue,  are  in  the  better 
land.     "They  are  not  lost,  but  gone  before." 

The  writer  does  not  pretend  to  do  anything  more  than  simply  give 
an  outline  of  the  record  of  this  true  and  tried  servant  of  God. 
Brother  Sifly  is  a  deep  spiritual  man.  He  inherited  many  of 
the  traits  of  his  glorified  mother,  to  whom  he  pays  the  following 
beautiful  filial  tribute :  "I  had  one  of  the  best  of  mothers — a  pious, 
consistent,  consecrated.  Christian  mother,  to  whom,  under  God,  I 
owe  most  that  I  am  or  hope  to  be  spiritually."  Indeed,  "her  child- 
ren rise  up  and  call  her  blessed." 

Brother  Sifly's  preaching  has  always  shown  the  deep  spirituality 
of  the  personality  back  of  it.  He  believes  in  the  plain  old  Gospel, 
and  has  ever  striven  to  present  it  to  the  people.  When  he  was  in 
active  service  he  excelled  as  a  pastor.  He  was  regular  and  sys- 
tematic in  his  work.  The  people  were  always  glad  to  see  him,  for 
he  ever  left  a  blessing  with  them.  Blessings  upon  the  devoted  head 
of  this  faithful  servant  of  God  !  May  his  tribe  be  multiplied ! 


TwEXTiETH  Century  Sketches. 


279 


REV.  H.  L.  SINGLETON. 

Rev.  Henry  Lee  Singleton,  son  of  Miles  P.  ami  Martha  J.  Sing^le- 
ton,  was  born  April  4,  1868.  being  the  fifth  child  in  a  family  of  eight 
children.  After  the  usual  course  in  the  common  schools,  he  at- 
tended Leesville  College   for  awhile ;  thence  he  went  to  WofTord 


•1^,' 


College,  but  on  account  of  defective  eyesight  was  compelled  to  leave 
college  before  graduating. 

For  a  number  of  years  Brother  Singleton  taught  school  in  this 
State,  and  also  in  North  Carolina.  At  the  age  of  eighteen  years, 
our  friend  felt  the  call  to  preach,  but,  Jonah-like,  tried  to  evade  the 
work.  He  endeavored  to  satisfy  his  conscience  by  teaching,  trying 
to  satisfy  himself  that  by  means  of  that  work  he  could  meet  the  re- 
quirements of  the  Divine  call.  But  he  found  that  nothing  but  com- 
plete surrender  and  obedience  to  God's  call  would  answer,  so  in  1898 
he  determined  to  accept  the  work  allotted  him  by  the  call  of  God 
and  entered  the  ministry. 

Brother  Singleton  was  admitted  on  trial  at  the  Conference  held  in 
Orangeburg,  December,  1899,  ^^'^1''  F-  E.  Hodges,  J.  T.  Macfarlane, 
B.  G.  Murphy,  E.  F.  Scoggins  and  R.  S.  Truesdale,  and  was  sent 
to  Marion  Circuit  and  ]^Iills,  where  he  did  excellent  service  his  first 
year  in  the  Conference. 

Judging  from  appearances,  our  young  friend  has  entered  upon  a 
very  useful  and  successful  career.     Ma\ 
attend  his  efforts. 


leaven's  richest  blessings 


28o 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


REV.  CHAS.  B.  SMITH. 

No  truer  man  ever  entered  the  South  CaroHiia  Conference  than 
Charles  Betts  Smith.  Coming  from  such  a  home  as  he  came  from, 
and  with  such  parents  as  he  had,  it  would  have  been  difficult  for  him 
to  have  been  otherwise  than  a  good,  true  man.     He  is  the  son  of  Rev. 


William  H.  Smith,  one  of  the  noblest  local  preachers  Methodism  ever 
produced,  and  Mrs.  Mary  I.  Smith,  as  good  a  woman  as  ever 
lived. 

The  subject  of  this  sketch  was  born  near  Lynchburg,  S.  C,  Oc- 
tober 14,  1858.  He  has  had  splendid  educational  advantages.  His 
primary  and  preparatory  training  was  received  in  the  excellent 
schools  maintained  in. the  community  where  he  was  born,  these  schools 
being  largely  supplied  by  his  father,  who  ever  manifested  the  deepest 
interest  in  the  subject  of  education,  not  only  for  his  own  children,  but 
for  the  community  as  well.  After  the  training  received  here, 
"Charlie"  studied  one  year  under  his  brother,  Rev.  A.  Coke  Smith,  at 
Greenville,  S.  C.  He  then  spent  three  years  at  Wofford  College, 
where  he  made  a  fine  record.  But  these  years  at  school  and  college 
only  marked  the  beginning  of  his  education.  He  has  been  a  diligent 
student  ever  since,  and  is  one  of  our  most  thoughtful  men. 

From  a  very  early  age,  Brother  Smith  felt  called  to  preach,  and 
this  impression  made  by  the  Divine  Spirit  deepened  as  the  years 
passed  until   it  became  a  settled   conviction.     He   was   licensed   to 


TWEXTIETH   CeXTURV   SKETCHES.  281 


preach  in  tlie  year  1882.  at  Lynchburg,  S.  C,  Rev.  George  H.  Wells 
being  his  pastor,  and  Rev.  Thos.  G.  Herbert  being  the  Presiding 
Elder. 

He  joined  the  Conference  in  December,  1882,  with  John  W. 
Elkins  and  J.  D.  Frierson.  He  has  served  as  follows  :  Summerville, 
1883;  Clarendon  Circuit.  1884;  Kingstree  Station.  1885;  Marion 
Street,  Columbia.  1886:  Bamberg,  1887-8;  Anderson  Station,  1889- 
92;  Orangeburg  Station,  1893-4;  financial  agent  and  professor  at 
Wofford  College,  1895-8:  Darlington  Station,  1899-1900;  Bennetts- 
ville  Station,  1901.  In  all  of  these  fields  of  labor  our  good  brother 
has  had  success,  in  some  of  them  unusual  success. 

As  a  pastor,  Brother  Smith  is  very  popular.  He  loves  men,  and 
loves  to  be  with  them.  He  sympathizes  with  them  in  their  struggles, 
and  they  in  return  love  and  adore  him.  He  has  about  him  a  great 
deal  of  personal  magnetism,  and  men  arc  naturally  drawn  to  him. 
He  is  a  preacher  of  rare  ability.  He  thinks  deeply  and  expresses  his 
thoughts  clearly  and  forcibly.  His  sermons  are  prepared  with  great 
care  and  are  delivered  with  much  power  and  effectiveness. 

Brother  Smith  was  exceedingly  fortunate  in  the  selection  of  a  wife. 
He  married  ^liss  ]\Iary  E.  JMoorer,  of  St.  George.  S.  C,  who  has 
proven  a  helpmeet  indeed.  They  have  four  children — Pinckney, 
William,  Marv  and  an  infant  not  yet  named. 


282 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


REV.  JAMES  F.  SMITH. 

Rev.  James  F.  Smith  was  born  near  Smith's  Bridge  on  the  Saluda 
river  in  Laurens  county,  S.  C,  October  7,  182 1.  His  educational 
training-  began  in  the  common  schools  of  the  neighborhood  and  was 
continued  therein  till  he  was  ten  years  old.    At  this  age  he  was  sent 


awav  to  Fairview  Academy,  in  Greenville  County,  where  he  had  as 
teacher,  William  JMoffat,  who  left  an  indelible  impression  upon  the 
bov.  In  1833,  he  was  sent  to  the  Academy  at  Laurens  Court  House, 
having  Chaney  Stone  as  teacher.  He  remained  here  until  1835, 
when  he  was  sent  to  Dr.  Barr's  Academy,  Long  Cane,  where  he  had 
James  Lesley  for  teacher,  and  where  he  was  prepared  for  college. 
Young  Smith  had  intended  entering  Athens  College,  Georgia,  but, 
through  the  influence  of  Rev.  Samuel  Capers,  agent  for  Randolph 
jMacon  College,  Virginia,  he  was  led  to  that  institution  during  the 
presidencv  of  Dr.  Olin.  He  entered  the  second  term  of  the  freshman 
class  in  January,  1836,  and  graduated  in  June,  1839,  being  18  years 
old.  From  there  he  entered  the  South  Carolina  College  as  a  graduate 
student,  taking  his  diploma  in  December,  1840.  Brother  Smith 
joined  the  church  in  1837.  Upon  leaving  the  South  Carolina  College 
he  accompanied  Joseph  H.  Wheeler  and  Albert  M.  Shipp  on  the 
Cokesbury  Circuit,  Nicholas  Talley  being  Presiding  Elder,  and 
preached  occasionally.  He  was  formally  licensed  to  preach  at  old 
Smyrna  Camp  Ground  on  October  i,  1841. 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches.  2^^ 

He  joined  the  South  Carohna  Conference  January,  1842,  and  was 
appointed  to  the  Rutherford  Circuit,  Xorth  Carolina,  with  Church- 
well  Crowell  as  Senior  Preacher  and  William  Crook  as  Presiding 
Elder.  The  Conference  that  year  was  held  at  Charlotte  (the  reader 
Avill  remember  that  at  that  time  a  large  part  of  the  State  of  Xorth 
Carolina  was  embraced  in  the  South  Carolina  Conference),  Bishop 
Waugh  presiding.  Dr.  Janes  (afterwards  Bishop)  was  present  as 
agent  of  the  American  Bible  Society  and  made  one  of  his  masterly 
addresses.  Next  vear  the  Conference  was  held  at  Cokesbury.  in  Feb- 
ruary, 1843,  Bishop  Andrew  presiding.  Brother  Smith  was  appointed 
to  Waccamaw  Circuit  with  Rev.  W.  A.  Clarke  as  Senior.  The  next 
Conference  met  at  Georgetown,  in  February,  1844,  Bishop  Soule 
presiding.  This  time  Brother  Smith  was  appointed  to  \\'accamaw 
Mission  with  Rev.  John  A.  Minnick  as  Senior.  At  the  next  Confer- 
ence, which  was  held  in  Columbia,  he  was  sent  to  Walterboro  Circuit 
with  Alexius  ]M.  Forster  as  Senior,  and  R.  J.  Boyd  Presiding  Elder, 
of  Charleston  District,  1845.  He  was  permitted  to  rest  1846-7-8, 
when  relocated  on  account  of  his  health  and  remained  in  location, 
farming,  teaching  and  preaching  as  much  as  health  permitted  until 
1869.  That  year,  with  S.  B.  Jones  as  President,  he  bought  out  and 
revived  the  old  Spartanburg  Female  College.  In  the  fall  of  1871, 
having  sold  out  his  interest  in  the  college,  he  joined  R.  P.  Franks, 
Presiding  Elder  of  Spartanburg  District,  and  commenced  his  itiner- 
ant career  again  under  very  favorable  circumstances,  serving  the 
Jonesville  Circuit  1871  and  1872,  the  Pacolet  Circuit  1873.  the 
Cherokee  Springs  Circuit  1874-75-76  and  1877.  the  Gowansville 
Circuit  1878-79  and  1880,  the  mission  work  in  Spartanburg  Bethel 
Church  1881  and  1882,  when  that  church  was  built,  principally  by 
Rev.  R.  C.  Oliver,  and  Cherokee  Springs  Circuit  again  1883  and  1884. 
Bv  reason  of  his  age  and  increasing  infirmities,  supernumerary  until 
1894,  when  he  was  superannuated  at  Laurens  Conference:  and  now 
having  been  superannuated  1895-96-97-98  and  1899. and  still  living  in 
Spartanburg  City.  Brother  Smith  was  married  at  Darlington  Court 
House,  August  5th,  1842,  by  Alexius  M.  Forster,  the  father  of  In- 
lianna,  the  bride.  They  had  eleven  children  ;  three  died  in  infancy, 
and  one,  Francis  Soule,  died  in  his  forty-second  year.  The  seven 
surviving  arc :  Alexius  John.  Augusta  Jane,  Charles  Forster.  Lan- 
dor  Franklin.  Robert  Derrill.  Julia  Isabel  and  James  Perrin.  Charles 
F.  is  a  distinguished  professor  of  Greek  in  Wisconsin  University. 
Landor  F.  is  president  of  the  oldest  female  college  in  Texas,  belong- 
ing to  Texas  Conference;  and  J.  Perrin  is  professor  of  geology  in 
Leland  Stanford  University.  Palo  Alto.  Cal. :  and  the  others  useful 
in  their  different  spheres.  Brother  Smith  is  now  in  his  seventy-ninth 
year  and  growing  infirm,  but  ripening  in  life  and  labors  for  the 
"House  not  made  with  hands,  Eternal  in  the  heavens." 


284  Twentieth  Cextury  Sketches. 

REV.  W.  C.  SMITH. 

The  subject  of  this  sketch,  Rev.  Wm.  C.  Smith,  is  a  Virginian. 
He  is  the  son  of  Mr.  C.  H.  Smith  and  Airs.  Mary  A.  Smith.  He  was 
born  in  Louisa  County,  Virginia,  August  2y,  1869. 

Brother  Smith  was  converted  and  joined  the  Alethodist  Episco- 
pal Church,  South,  in  1889.  He  was  hcensed  to  exhort  in  1889,  and 
was  hcensed  to  preach  in  1890. 

Having  excehent  business  capacities,  he  went  to  New  York  at 
the  age  of  nineteen  years,  and  engaged  in  business  with  Messrs. 
Pennell,  O'Hern  &  Co.  A  few  years  later  he  accepted  a  position 
with  a  general  mercantile  house  in  Roanoke,  Ya. 

Wishing  to  be  further  advanced  in  a  literary  education,  he  re- 
signed his  position  here  and  entered  the  Oakland  Academy,  where 
he  spent  two  years.  The  next  four  years  were  spent  in  the  Haley 
High  School,  where  he  made  good  use  of  the  excellent  educational 
facilities  there  afforded. 

At  the  recent  session  of  our  Conference,  held  at  Chester,  S.  C, 
Brother  Smith  was  received  on  trial,  with  J.  T.  Fowler,  L.  P.  Mc- 
Ghee  and  B.  R.  Turnipseed.  He  was  assigned  by  Bishop  Hargrove 
to  the  Smithville  Circuit,  in  the  Sumter  District. 

Our  young  friend  is  highly  spoken  of  by  those  who  know  him, 
being  a  young  man  of  excellent  qualities.  Xo  doubt  he  will  make  a 
fine  record  in  the  Conference. 


REV.  W.  J.  SNYDER. 

Rev.  Wesley  James  Snyder  was  born  December  3,  1873.  His 
parents'  names  are  J.  C.  Snyder  and  ]\I.  E.  Snyder. 

He  had  access  to  the  preparatory  schools  of  the  community  at  first, 
and  then  entered  the  Wofford  College  Fitting  School,  where  he 
spent  two  years.  From  this  he  entered  the  college  proper,  from 
which  he  graduated  in  June,  1894.  He  has  thus  had  a  thorough 
mental  training  as  a  preparation  for  his  life  work.  At  the  early  age 
of  fifteen  years  he  felt  called  to  preach.  He  was  licensed  to  exhort 
in  1890,  Rev.  J.  M.  Boyd,  Presiding  Elder.  He  was  licensed  to 
preach  in  189 1,  Rev.  R.  N.  Wells,  D.  D.,  Presiding  Elder. 

Brother  Snyder  was  admitted  on  trial  into  the  South  Carolina 
Conference  in  December,  1894,  with  IMartin  L.  Banks,  Jr.,  Connor 
B.  Burns,  Robert  C.  Boulware,  Henry  J.  Cauthen,  Waddy  T.  Dun- 
can, W'illiam  S.  Goodwin,  Edward  S.  Jones,  William  A.  Kelly, 
Stephen  A.  Nettles,  \\\  A.  Pitts,  John  R.  Sojourner  and  Preston  B. 
Wells. 

He  has  served  the  following  charges :  Wateree  Circuit,  1894-5 ; 
Jordan  Circuit,  1895-6;  x\ntreville,  1896-8;  Cherokee  Circuit,  1899- 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


285 


1900.  At  all  of  these  his  ministry  was  attended  with  much  success. 
At  Jordan  he  built  a  parsonage  and  partly  built  a  neat  church.  At 
Antreville  he  also  built  a  parsonage.  As  a  pastor,  Brother  Snvder 
is  diligent  and  dutiful;  as  a  preacher,  he  is  fearless  and  faithful. 

June  18,  1895,  he  was  married  to  Miss  Callie  Ellis,  who  died  Sep- 
tember 2^,  1896.  On  March  10,  1897,  he  was  married  to  Miss  Bes- 
sie Davis,  of  Clarendon  County,  who  died  July  4.  1898.  One  child — 
Sarah  May — was  the  result  of  this  marriage.  September  14,  1899, 
he  was  married  to  Miss  Mattie  M.  Scott.  They  have  one  child  from 
this  marriage — Chauncey  Hanson. 

In  common  parlance,  Brother  Snyder  would  be  called  "a  hustler," 
bringing  things  to  pass  wherever  he  goes.  He  believes  in  aggressive 
work. 


REV.  JOHN  R.  SOJOURNER. 

Rev.  John  Reddick  Sojourner,  son  of  Mr.  D.  E.  and  ^Irs.  Rachel 

Sojourner,  was  born  in  Barnwell  County,  S.  C,  September  24,  1866. 

Yoimg  Sojourner's  parents  died  while  he  was  quite  young,  leaving 


a  large  family.  This  greatly  interfered  with  his  early  educational 
advantages.  Ho  made  a  heroic  struggle,  however,  and  the  Lord 
helped  him.     By  his  own  labors  he  was  enabled  to  enter  Wottord 


286  Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 

College  Fitting  School  in  1888.  By  hard  work  there,  he  was  able  to 
enter  Wofford  College  the  next  year,  pursuing  the  studies  through 
the  Sophomore  class.  He  taught  school  for  three  years  after  leaving 
college,  and  while  teaching  others  he  learned  a  great  deal  himself. 

Brother  Sojourner  joined  the  Church  at  the  age  of  twelve  years, 
but  was  not  converted  until  about  two  years  later.  His  conversion 
was  thorough  and  changed  the  whole  current  of  his  life.  He  was 
licensed  to  preach  in  1888  and  served  as  a  local  preacher  several 
years. 

In  December,  1894,  he  joined  the  Conference,  with  Martin  L. 
Banks,  Jr.,  Connor  B.  Burns,  Robt.  C.  Boulware,  Henry  J.  Cauthen, 
Waddy  T.  Duncan,  William  S.  Goodwin,  E.  S.  Jones,  W.  A.  Kelly, 
S.  A.  Nettles,  W.  A.  Pitts,  W.  J.  Snyder  and  P.  B.  Wells. 

He  has  served  as  follows:  South  Aiken  Circuit,  1895;  Bayboro 
Circuit,  1896;  Loris  Circuit,  1897-8;  Lewiedale  Circuit,  1899;  John- 
sonville  Circuit,  1 900-1 901.  During  these  years  and  in  these  fields 
of  labor,  much  good  has  been  done  by  our  brother.  The  Lord  has 
blessed  his  labors  to  the  upbuilding  of  the  Church  and  the  salvation 
of  souls.     He  is  a  good  preacher  and  helpful  pastor. 

On  December  27,  1898,  Brother  Sojourner  was  married  to  Miss 
Blanche  Beaufort  Browning,  daughter  of  Mr.  T.  S.  and  Mrs.  Ellen 
Crawford  Browning,  of  Berkeley  County,  S.  C.  They  have  happily 
entered  together  upon  the  great  work  of  life.  INIay  our  Heavenly 
Father  grant  them  abundant  success ! 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


287 


REV.  J.  W.  SPEAKE. 

Rev.  John  Wesley  Speake,  son  of  ^Ir.  George  T.  Speake  and  Mrs. 
Emma  Boyd  Speake,  was  born  May  4,  1874.  He  is  the  eldest  of  a 
family  of  five  children.  He  attended  school  at  Kinards,  Xewberry 
Countv,  until  he  was  twelve  years  old,  at  which  age  he  went  to  school 


to  an  uncle— Prof.  James  W.  Boyd— at  St.  Joseph,  Mo.,  remaining 
there  three  years.  Returning  to  South  Carolina,  he  entered  the 
W'adsworth  High  School,  in  Laurens  County,  spending  one  year 
there.  He  was  denied  the  privilege  of  a  collegiate  education,  but 
has  ever  tried,  by  hard  study,  to  make  up  for  this  loss.  He  taught 
school  for  four  years,  two  of  which  were  spent  in  charge  of  Town- 
ville  Academy.  Anderson  County. 

Young  Speake  joined  the  Church  in  early  life,  being  converted 
at  the  age  of  thirteen  years.  From  the  time  of  his  conversion  he 
was  under  the  imperative  command  of  God  to  preach  the  Gospel. 
He  entered  earnestly  into  Church  work,  being  elected  Sunday 
school  superintendent  at  the  early  age  of  sixteen  years.  He  was 
licensed  to  exhort  in  1896;  was  licensed  to  preach  in  July,  1897. 

In  December,  1897,  Brother  Speake  was  received  on  trial  into  the 
Conference,  having  as  Conference  classmates  S.  H.  Booth,  \V.  A. 
Fairev,  J.  ^M.  Lawson.  D.  A.  Patrick  and  R.  E.  Turnipseed.  In  the 
preceding  August  he  had  been  employed  as  a  supply  for  Newberry 
Citv  Mission,  to  fill  a  vacancy  caused  by  the  illness  of  Rev.  W.  B. 


288  Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 

Verdin.  He  was  re-appointed  to  this  charge,  and  served  it  for  three 
years — 1898- 1900.  During  his  pastorate  here  a  handsome  Church 
was  buih,  and  the  charge  was  greatly  improved  in  every  particular. 
At  the  recent  session  he  was  appointed  to  Highland  and  City  Mills, 
Greenville,  where  he  has  entered  prosperously  upon  his  work. 

Our  young  friend  is  making  a  fine  record  for  himself.  He  is  a 
good  preacher  and  a  most  zealous  worker. 

He  married  Miss  Annie  Heidtman,  of  Orangeburg,  S.  C,  daughter 
of  Mr.  J.  L.  Heidtman,  and  grand-daughter  of  the  late  Rev.  IM.  H. 
Pooser.  She  has  entered  heartily  into  the  work,  and  is  proving  a 
helpmeet  indeed  to  him. 


REV.  FOSTER  SPEER. 

Rev.  Foster  Speer  was  born  at  Lowndesville,  S.  C,  February  15, 
1874.  He  is  the  son  of  Dr.  A.  J.  Speer,  a  native  of  Abbeville  County, 
S.  C,  and  Mrs.  Sophia  Verdal  Speer,  a  native  of  Elbert  County,  Ga. 

Brother  Speer  has  had  good  educational  advantages.  He  attended 
the  school  of  his  native  town  until  he  was  sixteen  years  old.  He 
then  matriculated  at  Young  Harris  College,  in  Georgia,  and  spent 
three  years  there,  graduating  in  May,  1895. 

He  was  converted  in  1893  while  at  College  and  immediately  felt 
divinelv  called  to  the  work  of  the  ministry.  He  was  licensed  to 
preach  in  December,  1894,  by  the  Quarterly  Conference  of  Hiawasse 
Circuit,  Dahlonega  District,  North  Georgia  Conference. 

He  was  received  on  trial  into  the  South  Carolina  Conference  at 
the  session  held  at  Abbeville  in  December,  1896,  Sidi  B.  Harper, 
D.  W.  Kellar,  W.  C.  Kirkland,  J.  C.  Roper,  F.  H.  Shuler  and  W. 
H.  Thrower  joining  at  the  same  session.  He  has  served  the  follow- 
ing charges:  Junior  Preacher  on  Providence  Circuit,  1897;  Wedge- 
field  Circuit,  1898;  Foreston  Circuit,  1899-1900., 

On  account  of  failing  health  Brother  Speer  was  compelled  to  ask 
for  the  supernumerary  relation  at  the  recent  session  of  our  Con- 
ference. At  this  writing  he  is  engaged  in  teaching  at  Starr,  An- 
derson County. 

On  June  14,  1898,  our  young  friend  was  married  to  Miss  Hettie 
Augusta  Pooser,  daughter  of  Rev  George  H.  Pooser  of  our  Con- 
ference. Two  children  have  been  born  unto  them — George  An- 
drew, born  April  25,  1899,  and  died  August  19,  1899;  Martha  Lola, 
born  October  22,  1900. 

Brother  Speer  is  an  excellent  young  man  and  had  begun  his 
ministrv  with  unusual  promise,  and  it  was  with  profound  sorrow 
that  we  learned  of  his  failing  health.  We  sincerely  trust  that  he 
will  be  speedily  restored  to  health  and  will  yet  be  permitted  to  suc- 
cessfullv  carry  out  the  career  upon  which  he  had  entered  with  so 
much  promise. 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


289 


REV.  R.  W.  SPIGNER. 

Rev.  Reuben  West  Spigner,  tiiird  and  youngest  son  of  Reuben 
West  Spigner  and  Sarah  Bush  Spigner,  was  born  May  19,  1859. 
His  early  educational  advantages  were  those  afforded  by  good  home 
training  and  the  common   schools  of  the  country.     Of  these  our 


friend  made  full  use,  thus  learning  how  to  study.  He  continues  to 
studv  and  think,  daily  adding  to  his  stock  of  information  and  intel- 
lectual equipment.  He  is  greatly  blessed  with  a  good  memory, 
rarely  ever  forgetting  anything  he  reads. 

Brother  Spigner's  call  to  preach  came  to  him  in  his  boyhood  days. 
Being  rejected,  the  call  was  renewed  from  time  to  time  with  in- 
creased conviction,  until  in  the  latter  part  of  the  year  1889,  when  it 
became  so  overwhelming  that  its  acceptance  was  no  longer  debatable. 
It  was  under  the  pastorate  of  Rev.  Marion  Dargan  that  our  friend 
and  brother  was  brought  to  yield  to  the  Divine  call,  and  at  the  First 
Quarterly  Conference  of  the  Marion  Street  Church,  Columbia,  for 
the  vear  1890,  held  in  February,  he  was  licensed  to  preach.  As  a 
local  preacher  he  supplied  the  Salter's  Circuit  for  189 1-2.  In  De- 
cember, 1892,  he  was  admitted  into  the  Conference  on  trial  at  the 
session  in  Charleston,  S.  C,  and  his  appointments  have  been  these: 
Timmonsville  Circuit,  1893-4;  Jonesville  Circuit.  1895-7:  Clifton  and 
Glendale,  1898-9;  Fairfield  Circuit,  1900-1901.  In  all  of  these  fields 
Brother  Spigner  has  had  the  Divine  approval  of  his  labors  mani- 

19 — S. 


290 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


fested  in  the  salvation  of  souls  and  in  the  building  up  of  the  Church. 
He  was  ordained  Deacon  by  Bishop  John  C.  Keener,  at  Laurens,  in 
1894,  and  was  ordained  Elder  by  Bishop  W.  W.  Duncan,  at  Sumter, 

in  1897. 

Brother  Spigner  was  married  on  January  17,  1886.  to  Miss  Maggie 
Neeley,  of  Denmark,  S.  C.  They  have  three  children  living :  Ray- 
mond Neeley,  Edward  Tindall  and  Elizabeth  Cauthen. 

Brother  Spigner  is  one  of  "God's  noblemen,"  having  in  him  the 
elements  that  constitute  the  Christian  gentleman.  He  is  a  thoughtful 
preacher,  a  tender  and  affectionate  pastor,  and  a  true  and  loyal 
friend. 


REV.  ROBERT  E.  STACKHOUSE. 

The  brother  who  forms  the  subject  of  this  paper,  Rev.  Robert 
Edgar  Stackhouse,  is  one  of  the  ablest  young  preachers  in  our  Con- 
ference. He  was  born  in  ]Marion  County,  S.  C,  October  21,  1866. 
He  was  reared  in  the  adjoining  County, ^Marlboro,  having  access  to 


the  excellent  schools  known  to  exist  in  that  thriving  section,  until 
he  was  eighteen  years  old.  In  1884  he  entered  the  State  Normal 
College  of  the  University  of  Nashville,  Nashville,  Tenn.     He  grad- 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches.  291 


uated  from  this  institution  in  1886.  after  which  he  taught  school  in 
the  ;Montgoinery  Jlcll  Academy,  Xasliville,  for  one  year.  During 
the  years  1887  and  1888  he  taught  at  old  Reedy  Creek  Academy,  in 
Marion  County. 

Young  Stackhouse  was  converted  in  April.  1885,  while  in  Xasli- 
ville, and  joined  the  Elm  Street  Methodist  Church  in  that  city,  under 
the  pastorate  of  Dr.  John  P.  McFerrin,  one  of  the  greatest  men 
American  Methodism  has  ever  produced. 

At  the  session  of  the  South  Carolina  Conference  held  at  \\'inns- 
boro  in  December,  1888,  Brother  Stackhouse  was  received  on  trial, 
having  as  Conference  classmates  Nicholas  G.  Ballenger,  Thomas  M. 
Dent,  Pierce  F.  Kilgo,  Henry  C.  Mouzon,  John  L.  Ray,  George  R. 
Shaffer,  Ellie  P.  Taylor,  E.  Alston  Wilkes  and  W.  Asbury  Wright. 
Since  his  admission  he  has  served  the  following  appointments :  Jun- 
ior preacher  on  Bennettsville  Circuit,  1889;  Greenwood  Station, 
1 890- 1  ;  Yorkville  Station,  1892;  Aiken  Station,  1893-4:  Johnston 
Circuit,  1895-7;  Professor  in  Columbia  Female  College,  1898;  Blen- 
heim Circuit,  1899;  Pendleton  Circuit,  1900-1901. 

Brother  Stackhouse  is  a  modest,  but  brave  and  fearless  preacher. 
His  great  aim  is,  not  to  please  men,  but  to  profit  them  by  a  plain  and 
full  proclamation  of  the  truth.  He  is  a  close  student  of  both  men 
and  books. He  is  thoroughly  posted  on  Methodist  doctrine  and  disci- 
pline, ever  ready  to  give  a  clear  reason  for  the  faith  that  is  in  him. 
His  mind  is  logical  and  he  believes  in  honestly  grappling  with  the 
problems  of  any  question,  never  satisfied  with  surface  or  superficial 
work.  His  labor  is  of  permanent  kind,  the  influence  of  his  life  and 
preaching  continuing  to  bear  fruit  after  he  himself  has  gone  else- 
where. 


292 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


REV.  A.  J.  STAFFORD. 

Andrew  J.  Stafford  was  born  in  Rutherford  County,  N.  C,  March 
6,  1834.  His  father,  Nimrod  S.  Stafford,  was  a  man  of  irreproach- 
able Hfe,  and  of  more  than  ordinary  mental  powers.  His  mother 
was  Sarah  L.  Wallace.     She  was  of  Scotch-Irish  descent,  and  to 


the  firmness  of  purpose  characteristic  of  her  race  she  joined  a  very 
gentle  and  engaging  disposition.  She  lived  and  died  in  the  com- 
munion of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  and  it  was  said  of  her  by  one 
who  knew  her  well  that  hers  was  a  beautiful  life. 

The  subject  of  this  sketch  was  the  eldest  of  seven  children.  At 
the  age  of  twelve  his  father's  death  made  it  necessary  for  him  to 
leave  school.  But  he  continued  to  study — learned  Algebra  without 
a  teacher,  and  made  some  progress  in  Latin. 

He  remembers  distinctly  religious  impressions  from  a  very  early 
age,  which  he  ascribes  to  the  home  atmosphere,  the  influence  of  his 
parents  upon  the  lives  of  their  children.  In  August,  185 1,  during  a 
meeting  held  by  Rev.  P.  F.  Kistler,  at  Pisgah  Church,  Rutherford 
Circuit,  the  witness  of  pardon  was  realized,  and  with  it  came  a  con- 
viction of  the  duty  of  working  for  Christ.  He  was  appointed  Sun- 
day School  teacher,  then  class-leader,  and  exhorter,  and  in  August^ 
1855,  was  licensed  to  preach. 

He  now  determined  to  carry  out  a  long-cherished  purpose,  and 
went  to  Wofford   College  to  improve  his   education.     Four  years 


Twentieth  Cexturv  Sketches.  293 


were  spent  in  college  in  close  application  to  study,  when  he  com- 
pleted the  course,  graduating-  in  July,  1859.  After  leaving  college, 
he  went  to  Bennettsville.  S.  C.  and  spent  nearly  two  years  teaching. 
In  April,  1861,  he  was  appointed  Chaplain  of  the  8th  Regiment, 
South  Carolina  \'olunteers.  and  continued  in  the  Confederate  ser- 
vice, with  a  brief  interval,  till  the  surrender  of  Lee  at  Appomattox. 
At  the  session  of  the  South  Carolina  Conference  held  at  Sumter, 
in  December,  1863,  being  still  in  the  service  of  the  country,  he  was 
received  on  trial  into  the  Conference,  and  his  appointment  for  that 
and  the  following  year  was  "in  the  army."  After  the  war  he  was 
sent  to  Monroe  Station,  X.  C,  in  1866;  to  Darlington  in  1867,  and 
to  Cheraw  in  1868. 

In  December  of  1868  he  was  married  to  Miss  Parthenia  Beverly, 
of  Wadesboro,  N.  C.  She  was  the  daughter  of  Methodist  parents, 
a  graduate  of  Carolina  Female  College,  under  the  tuition  of  those 
high-toned  Christian  gentlemen.  President  Tracy  R.  ^^'alsh  and 
Prof.  William  K.  Blake;  and  after  graduation  taught  in  the  same 
institution.  Being  thus  identified  with  the  Church  and  its  work, 
and  acquainted  intimately  with  a  number  of  the  ministers  and  their 
families,  she  was  finely  qualified  to  grace  the  station  of  a  preacher's 
wife,  and  for  thirty-one  years  has  been  not  only  the  light  of  her 
husband's  home,  but  his  trusted  counsellor  and  valued  helper  in  many 
of  the  more  difficult  and  deHcate  parts  of  his  work. 

The  other  pastorates  filled  have  been:  Greenville  Station.  1869; 
Cokesbury,  1870;  :\Iars  Blufif,  1871-72-73:  Winnsboro.  1874-75; 
teacher  in  Columbia  Female  College.  1876;  Florence,  1877:  Bishop- 
ville  Circuit,  1878-79;  Abbeville,  1880-81;  Mars  BlulT,  1882-83-84- 
85;  Lancaster,  1886-87-88;  Blacksburg  Circuit.  1889-90;  Conway, 
1891-92-93-94;  Kershaw  Circuit,  1895;  Cheraw,  1896;  Aiken, 
1897-98-99-1900.  Fifteen  charges  in  all  have  been  served — two  of 
them  twice.  The  records  show  that  all  the  interests  of  the  Church 
have  been  carefully  looked  after.  The  collections  have  generally 
increased.  In  nearly  every  instance  there  have  been  additions  to 
the  Church — sometimes  quite  a  number.  Two  churches  and  two 
parsonages  have  been  built.  But  no  records  show  the  troubled  hearts 
that  have  been  comforted,  or  the  lives  that  have  developed  into  higher 
spiritual  experience,  and  been  guided  to  greater  usefulness  in  the 
Master's  service. 


294 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


REV.  J.  M.  STEADMAN. 

Rev.  John  Alarcellus  Steadman,  son  of  Col.  J.  AI.  and  Mrs.  H.  A. 
Steadman,  was  born  in  Lexington  County,  S.  C,  Alay  15,  1866. 

After  the  usual  preparatory  training  in  the  common  schools  of  the 
country,  he  was  educated  at  Leesville  College  under  the  presidency 


of  Rev.  John  Emory  Watson,  who  for  many  years  was  one  of  the 
most  successful  teachers  in  the  State.  These  school  and  college 
days,  however,  mark  only  the  beginning  of  his  education.  He  is 
a  diligent  student  yet,  buying  and  reading — yea,  studying — the  very 
best  books.  His  idea  is  that  the  purpose  of  school  life  is  to  learn 
how  to  study. 

Brother  Steadman  was  licensed  to  preach  by  the  Quarterly  Con- 
ference at  Leesville,  S.  C,  July  19,  1885.  Rev.  A.  Coke  Smith,  D.  D., 
being  the  Presiding  Elder. 

He  was  received  into  the  Conference  at  the  session  held  in  Colum- 
bia in  December,  1885.  E.  B.  Lovless,  A.  F.  Berry,  E.  O.  Watson, 
T.  C.  O'Dell,  J.  F.  Anderson,  A.  U.  Attaway,  T.  C.  Ligon,  W.  L 
Herbert.  John  Owen  and  D.  A.  Calhoun  joining  at  the  same  time. 
His  labors  have  been  distributed  in  the  following  fields :  Junior 
preacher  on  the  Newberry  Circuit,  with  AL  AL  Brabham,  1886; 
Parksville  Mission,  1887-8;  Greenwood  Station.  1889;  McCormick 
Circuit,  1890-3;  Lancaster    Station,    1894-5;    Cumberland  Mission, 


Twentieth  Centlkv  Sketches.  295 


Charleston,  1896-9;  Yorkville  Station,  1900:  Lancaster  Station, 
1901. 

Our  young  friend  is  a  most  enthusiastic  worker  and  has  had  much 
success  in  these  various  fields  uf  lal)or.  He  is  a  successful  revivalist 
and  many  souls  have  been  led  to  Christ  through  his  preaching.  His 
sermons  are  prepared  with  a  great  deal  of  care  and  he  delivers  them 
with  much  force  and  efifectiveness.  He  is  a  good  pastor  and  system- 
atic worker.  His  rule  is  to  improve  every  charge  he  serves  and  his 
record  shows  that  he  has  not  failed  in  putting  this  rule  into  practical 
execution. 

Brother  Steadman,  like  every  other  wise  man,  .soon  learned  the 
need  of  a  good  helpmeet.  So,  after  various  trials  and  tribulations, 
he  succeeded  in  winning  the  fair  hand  and  faithful  heart  of  Miss 
Lizzie  Briggs  Kennerly,  and  they  were  married  on  Xovember  21, 
1887.  She  is  a  daughter  of  Dr.  J.  C.  W.  Kennerly,  of  Edgefield 
Countv.  Following  are  the  names  of  their  children :  Johw  Marcel- 
lus,  Jr.,  Wallace  Wendell  and  Bonneau  Kennerly. 


296 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


REV.  H.  I.  STEPHENS. 

Rev.  Henry  Isaac  Stephens,  son  of  Mr.  Isaac  Stephens  and  JMrs. 
Sarah  A.  Stephens,  was  born  in  Carhsle  County,  Kv.,  February 
18,  1861. 

After  the  primary  training  in  the  schools  of  the  country,  he  was 
educated  at  the  Paducah  District  High  School,  at  Milburn,  Ky.  He 
then  took  a  theological  course  at  Vanderbilt  University. 


Brother  Stephens  was  licensed  to  preach  by  the  Quarterly  Con- 
ference of  jNIilburn  Circuit,  in  Kentucky,  October  13,  1883,  Rev. 
J.  M.  Spence  being  the  Presiding  Elder.  He  was  admitted  on  trial 
into  the  Memphis  Conference  November  16,  1895.  While  in  the 
Memphis  Conference,  he  served  Wickliffe  Circuit;  Third  Street, 
Paducah ;  and  Mingo  Circuit.  In  the  fall  of  1891  he  was  transferred 
by  Bishop  Wilson  to  the  Baltimore  Conference  and  stationed  at 
Calvary  Church,  Baltimore.  He  then  spent  four  years  at  Middle- 
burg,  Va.,  and  four  years  at  St.  James  Church,  Roanoke,  Va.  He 
had  been  appointed  to  Merran  Church,  Washington,  D.  C,  and  was 
serving  there  when  transferred  to  our  Conference  and  appointed  to 
Spring  Street,  Charleston. 

Brother  Stephens  was  married  July  18,  1886,  to  Miss  Lou  V. 
Shelton  ,of  Stanordsville,  Va.  They  have  five  children  living — 
Mary  Shelton,  INIattie  Lou,  Minnie  Blake,  Samuel  Wilber,  and 
Agnes  Elizabeth. 


TwEXTiETH  Century  Sketches. 


297 


As  Brother  Stephens  is  a  stranger  among  us,  the  writer  takes 
the  liberty  of  inserting  the  following  note  received  from  Rev.  Ben. 
F.  Ball,  Presiding  Elder  of  Moresfield  District,  Baltimore  Con- 
ference : 

"I  take  pleasure  in  stating  that  I  have  known  Rev.  H.  I.  Stephens 
ever  since  he  has  been  a  member  of  the  Baltimore  Conference,  for 
about  ten  years;  and  during  three  years  of  this  time  was  his  Pre- 
siding Elder.  My  knowledge  of  him,  when  he  was  comparatively 
unknown  in  the  Conference,  enabled  me  to  secure  his  appointment 
to  a  charge  in  Roanoke  City,  in  which  he  did  work  that,  under  all 
the  circumstances,  will,  I  believe,  compare  favorably  with  the  four 
vears'  record  of  any  preacher  in  the  connection. 

"He  is  a  gifted,  resourceful  preacher.  He  is  tactful  in  the  man- 
agement of  men  and  afit'airs,  a  man  of  energy  and  pluck,  capable  of 
meeting  the  demands  of  almost  any  charge  in  the  Baltimore  or  any 
other  Conference." 


KEV.  J.  J.  STEVENSON. 

Rev.  Jesse  Joel  Stevenson,  son  of  Dr.  William  J.  and  Mrs.  Esther 
Ferguson  Stevenson,  was  born  October  11,  1866.     After  the  usual 


course  in  preparatory  schools,  he  entereil  Leesville  College,  gradu- 
ating therefrom  in  i8qi.     He  had  been  ottered  a  scholarship  else- 


298  Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 

where,  but  preferred  to  go  here  and  pay  his  way — an  evidence  indeed 
of  the  material  ovit  of  which  he  is  made. 

Brother  Stevenson  feh  called  to  preach  when  quite  a  boy,  but  not 
till  1884  did  he  fully  surrender.  He  then  consecrated  himself  en- 
tirely to  the  Lord  and  decided  to  preach  in  obedience  to  the  Divine 
call.  He  had  been  converted  in  childhood,  and  joined  the  Church 
at  old  Ebenezer  at  the  age  of  sixteen,  under  the  ministry  of  Rev.  J. 
B.  Campbell. 

He  was  licensed  to  preach  in  the  year  1889,  Rev.  A.  M.  Chreitz- 
berg.  Presiding  Elder.  He  was  appointed  as  a  supply  for  Fort  INIill 
Circuit  for  1892.  He  was  admitted  on  trial  in  November  of  that 
year,  with  E.  H.  Beckham,  George  F.  Clarkson.  J-  L.  Daniel,  R.  M. 
buBose,  Olin  L.  DuRant,  Shala  W.  Henry,  E.  Palmer  Hutson 
(from  Presbvterian  Church),  Preston  B.  Ingraham,  John  X.  Isom, 
W.  B.  Justus',  A.  S.  Leslev,  W.  H.  Miller,  E.  Kirk  Moore,  D.  Melvin 
^IcLeod,  R.  C.  McRoy,  A.  R.  Phillips,  R.  W.  Spigner,  T.  J.  White, 
W.  B.  Wharton  and  W.  E.  \\'iggins. 

His  first  year  was  spent  as  junior  preacher  on  the  Fort  ]Mill  Cir- 
cuit, Rev.  John  L.  Harley,  P.  C.  Then  to  Blackstock.  He  here 
served  Churches  the  Quarterly  Conference  of  which  had  licensed  him 
to  preach.  He  served  Saluda  Circuit,  1897-8;  Kinards  Circuit, 
1 899- 1 900. 

Brother  Stevenson  is  a  very  earnest  worker.  He  has  been  suc- 
cessful as  a  builder,  painter,  repairer,  furnisher,  etc.  There  is  one 
most  remarkable  fact  in  connection  with  his  work — there  has  never 
been  held  a  Quarterly  Conference  under  his  ministry  at  which  he 
did  not  report  additions  to  the  Church. 

He  was  married  January  2,  1896,  to  JMiss  Jessie  Bond,  of  Chester, 
S.  C.  They  have  three  children — Esther  Genevieve,  Jesse  Joel  and 
James  Bond. 


e-H-^ 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


299 


REV.  A.  J.  STOKES.  D.  D. 

Rev.  Andrew  Jackson  Stokes  was  born  in  Colleton  County,  S.  C, 
August  25,  1836.  He  came  of  good  Methodist  stock,  the  family  be- 
ing noted  for  devotion  to  ^lethodism  for  several  generations.  Be- 
fore the  subject  of  this  sketch  was  a  year  old  his  mother  was  left  a 


widow,  and  upon  her  devolved  the  responsibility  of  training  the 
child.  It  is  needless  to  add  that  she  did  her  work  well,  for  it  was  to 
this  godly  woman  that  Brother  Stokes  was  indebted  for  those  strong 
religious  impressions  which  characterized  his  childhood,  and  her  wise 
counsels  and  pious  example  largely  determined  the  channel  of  use- 
fulness along  which  the  current  of  his  life  has  run  to  this  day  and 
along  which  it  will  continue,  no  doubt,  to  run  until  it  empties  itself 
into  the  great  ocean  of  eternity. 

These  impressions  made  upon  the  child  were  followed  by  his  con- 
version in  October,  1846.  He  received  his  i>rci)aratory  schcx>ling  at 
Cokesburv  and  his  collegiate  education  at  Wofford  College,  from 
which  institution  he  graduated  in  1859  and  from  which  he  afterwards 
received  the  degree  of  A.  M.  He  was  licensed  to  preach  in  1S58.  and 
was  admitted  on  trial  into  the  South  Carolina  Conference  December. 
1859.  Since  then  he  has  been  engaged  in  the  regular  work,  with  the 
exception  of  a  brief  period  when  he  was  a  ])roffSsor  in  the  Spartan- 
burg Female  College.  During  his  connection  with  the  Conference 
he  has  served  some  of  our  most  important  pastoral  charges,  circuits 


300  Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


and  stations.  He  was  also  Presiding  Elder  for  the  full  term  of  both 
the  Sumter  and  the  Marion  Districts  and  is  now  Presiding  Elder  of 
the  Charleston  District.  Dr.  Stokes  served  twenty-five  years  as  trus- 
tee of  the  Columbia  Female  College,  and  for  many  years  has  been  an 
ardent  advocate  of  higher  female  education.  He  was  the  chief  agent 
in  founding  the  Epworth  Orphanage  and  is  now  President  of  its 
Board  of  Managers.    He  is  also  President  of  our  Legal  Conference. 

His  work  has  been  uniformly  successful.  He  possesses  those  quali- 
ties of  both  mind  and  heart  that  usually  insure  success.  He  is  ener- 
getic, methodical,  sympathetic,  gentle  and  winning  in  manner  and 
studious  in  habit.  His  sermons  are  prepared  with  great  care  and 
often  with  the  free  and  laborious  use  of  the  pen,  though  never  ham- 
pered by  the  manuscript  in  delivery.  In  the  pulpit  he  is  earnest  and 
eloquent. 

The  degree  of  Doctor  of  Divinity  was  conferred  upon  him  by 
Emory  College,  Georgia,  in  1898. 

His  first  wife  was  a  daughter  of  the  late  Whitefoord  Smith,  D.  D., 
the  Chrysostom  of  Southern  Methodism.  By  this  marriage  he  has 
one  son,  Rev.  Whitefoord  Smith  Stokes,  who  is  a  useful  member  of 
our  Conference.  His  present  wife  is  a  daughter  of  the  late  Rev. 
Samuel  Wragg  Capers,  who  was  Presiding  Elder  for  years  in  our 
Conference.  Though  the  calendar  would  place  Dr.  Stokes  soipe- 
what  beyond  the  meridian  of  life,  from  the  earnestness  and  zeal  that 
characterize  his  work  one  would  judge  him  to  be  in  the  prime  of  life. 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


301 


REV.  GEO.  EDWIN  STOKES. 

George  Edwin  Stokes,  son  of  James  and  Margaret  M.  Stokes, 
was  born  March  5,  1863,  on  a  farm  in  Orangeburg  County,  about 
five  miles  south  of  the  court  house.  He  was  the  seventh  child  in  a 
family  of  eight  children,  five  boys  and  three  girls.     His  mother  was 


]\Iiss  Barton,  a  daughter  of  Dr.  W.  F.  Barton,  of  Orangeburg 
County. 

December  14.  1887,  he  was  married  at  Bishopville,  S.  C,  to  Miss 
T.  Elwell,  a  daughter  of  the  late  Rev.  S.  P.  1 1.  Elwell,  D.  D..  of  the 
South  Carolina  Conference.  To  them  have  been  born  six  children — 
James  Edwin,  Anna  Margarite.  T.  Elwell,  Mary  Annie  Barton,  Hol- 
brook  Elwell  and  William  Harry.  Of  these,  T.  Elwell  and  Hol- 
brook  Elwell  died  as  infants,  the  former  at  Marion  Street  parsonage, 
in  Columbia,  while  on  a  visit  to  Dr.  Elwell's  family ;  the  latter  at 
the  parsonage  in  Springfield,  S.  C.  Both  are  buried  at  the  old  home 
church  of  the  Stokes',  New  Hope,  near  Rowesville.  S.  C. 

G.  Edwin  Stokes  was  in  early  life  educated  mainly  in  family 
schools  at  his  home.  Two  years  were  spent  in  the  Sheridan  Classical 
School,  of  Orangeburg,  S.  C,  preparing  for  college.  In  the  summer 
of  1881  he  stood  a  competitive  examination  for  a  Peabody  scholar- 
ship in  the  University  of  Xashville,  Tenn.,  with  a  view  to  preparing 
for  teaching  as  a  life  work.  Winning  this  scholarship,  he  spent  two 
years  at  this  college,  graduating  in  1S83. 


302  Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


From  his  earliest  recollection,  the  impression  of  a  call  to  preach 
made  itself  felt.  As  he  grew  towards  manhood,  however,  the  idea 
became  distasteful,  and  he  began  to  resist  the  call.  The  years 
previous  to  a  surrender  to  this  call  were  marked  by  a  continual  in- 
ward struggle.  After  graduation,  he  began  teaching  school — two 
years  at  Corinth,  Miss.,  one  year  in  Orangeburg  County,  one  year  at 
Bishopville,  one  year  at  Seneca,  three  years  at  Batesburg  and  two 
years  at  Rowesville,  making  ten  years  in  all.  While  at  Batesburg, 
during  his  last  year  there,  he  finally  surrendered  and  yielded  the 
consent  of  his  mind  to  enter  the  ministry.  The  two  years  at  Rowes- 
ville, were  preparatory  to  entering  the  work. 

In  January,  1892,  he  was  licensed  to  preach  at  the  first  Quarterly 
Conference  of  Branchville  Circuit,  held  in  Branchville,  S.  C,  Rev. 
P.  F.  Kistler,  preacher  in  charge.  Rev.  J.  Walter  Dickson,  Presiding 
Elder,  upon  recommendation  of  the  Church  Conference  of  New  Hope 
Church,  his  old  home  church.     In  January,  1893.  the  death  of  Rev. 
J.  B.  Piatt,  preacher  in  charge  of  the  South  Branchville  Circuit,  left 
that  charge  to  be  filled.     Brother  Stokes  was  appointed  by  the  Pre- 
siding Elder  to  supply  the  circuit,  from  which  he  received  recom- 
mendation to  the  Annual  Conference  for  admission  on  trial.     He 
was  admitted  on  trial  at  the  Sumter  Conference  of  1893,  and  ap- 
pointed  to   the    Lexington    Circuit,    which   charge    he    served    two 
years — 1894-95.     At  the  Laurens  Conference  (1894),  at  the  services 
held  in  the  Presbyterian  Church,  he  was  ordained  local  deacon  by 
Bishop  J.  C.  Keener.     At  the  Rock  Hill  Conference  (1895),  he  was 
appointed  to  Springfield  Circuit,  in  the  Orangeburg  District.     This 
charge  he  served   four  years— 1896-97-98-99.     At  the    Greenwood 
Conference  (1898),  he  was  ordained  Elder  by  Bishop  W.  W.  Dun- 
can, the  services  being  held  in  the  court  house.     At  the  Orangeburg 
Conference  (1899),  he  was  appointed  to  Denmark  Circuit,  and  re- 
turned to  the  same  charge  for  1901. 

Brother  Stokes  is  a  strong  preacher,  his  sermons  evidencing 
thorough  preparation.  His  style  is  clear  and  deliberate.  As  a  pas- 
tor, he  is  diligent,  ever  striving  to  meet  all  reasonable  demands  upon 
his  time  and  patience.     His  work  is  popular  and  successful. 


Twentieth  Cexturv  Sketches. 


303 


REV.  HENRY  STOKES. 

Rev.  Henry  Stokes,  .sun  uf  Thomas  Henry  and  Aljigail  Boiling 
Stokes,  was  born  at  Alba,  Greenville  County,  S<3uth  Carolina,  June 
18,  1870.  He  attended  the  ])ul)lic  schools  of  the  conmuuiity  till  Sep- 
tember,  1886,  when  he  entered  the  Honea   Path   High   School,  of 


which  Prof.  J.  15.  W'atkins  was  principal.  After  a  three  years' 
course  he  entered  Wofiford  College,  from  which  he  was  graduated 
in  1893.  During  his  college  course  he  taught  school  every  summer, 
except  the  summer  of  1890,  when  hv  was  census  enumerator  for 
Dunklin  Township.  Greenville  County.  During  the  scholastic  years 
of  1893  and  1894  he  was  {principal  of  Caswell  Institute,  Anderson 
County. 

In  July,  i8(j4,  he  was  licensed  to  preach  l)y  the  Quarterly  Con- 
ference of  St.  John's  Church,  Anderson,  South  Carolina.  In  Sep- 
temlier,  1894,  he  entered  the  Theological  department  of  \'anilerbilt 
University,  where  he  spent  one  year. 

He  was  admitted  on  trial  into  the  South  Carolina  Conference  at 
Rock  Hill,  in  December,  1895.  liishop  Galloway  appointed  him  to 
serve  the  \'an  W'yck  Circuit,  Rock  Hill  District.  For  two  years  he 
served  this  charge  faithfully  and  accejitably.  During  his  pastorate 
at  \'i\n  W'yck  there  were  about  one  hundred  accessions  to  the 
Church,  a  church  debt  of  one  hundred  and  fifty  dollars  was  paid. 


304  Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 

and  more  than  one  hundred  dollars  was  raised   for  painting  and 
otherwise  preparing  Van  Wyck  Church  for  dedication. 

On  November  24th,  1897,  Rev.  Henry  Stokes  was  married  to  Miss 
Florence  Everett  Heath,  of  Waxhaw,  North  Carolina,  Bishop  Joseph 
S.  Key  officiating. 

At  the  Conference  of  1897  he  was  ordained  Deacon  by  Bishop 
W.  W.  Duncan.  At  this  Conference  he  was  appointed  to  the  Mount 
Carmel  charge,  Cokesbury  District.  At  this  writing  he  is  serving 
his  third  year  on  this  circuit. 

To  Rev.  and  Mrs.  Henry  Stokes  was  born  a  son — Robert  Car- 
lisle— September  5th,  1898.  This  child  God  took  to  Himself  Oct. 
6th,  1898. 

At  the  Conference  of  1899  Rev.  Henry  Stokes  was  ordained  Elder 
by  Bishop  Key.  As  pastor  of  Mt.  Carmel  charge,  he  has  had  three 
successful  years.  There  have  been  thirty-four  accessions  to  the 
Church.  Bethel  Church,  which  was  begun  under  Rev.  W.  A.  Kelly, 
was  finished  and  dedicated  under  the  pastorate  of  Rev.  Henry 
Stokes.  Sharon  and  Zoar  Churches  have  been  repaired  and  dedi- 
cated. During  the  present  year — 1900 — Salem  Church  has  been  re- 
built and  will  be  dedicated  before  this  Conference  year  closes.  The 
above  improvements,  exclusive  of  Bethel  Church,  have  been  made 
by  the  faithful  work  of  the  pastor  and  brethren  at  a  cost  of  about 
seven  hundred  dollars. 

On  August  2,  1900,  there  was  born  to  Rev.  and  Mrs.  Henry 
Stokes  a  daughter — Mary  Boiling  Stokes. 

Whatever  degree  of  success  has  attended  his  ministry,  Rev.  Mr. 
Stokes  begs  to  acknowledge  the  co-operation  of  his  brethren  and  the 
blessings  of  God. 

Judging  by  the  beginning  of  our  brother's  ministerial  life,  we  pre- 
dict for  him  an  eminentlv  successful  life. 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches.  305 


REV.  JOHN  LEMACKS  STOKES. 

Jolm  Lcinacks  Stokes  was  l)orn  February  5.  1854,  at  "Rock 
Spring"  plantation,  the  home  of  his  maternal  grandmother,  eight 
miles  from  W'alterboro,  S.  C.  He  is  the  third  child  of  Col.  Benjamin 
Stokes.  His  mother's  maiden  name  was  Miss  Harriet  K.  Lemacks. 
He  was  named  for  his  uncle,  Cai)t.  John  J.  Lemacks. 


% 


i 


The  bovhood  life  of  young  Stokes  was  spent  on  his  father's  plan- 
tation, "Pine  Forest,"  one  mile  from  the  place  of  his  birth.  When 
the  boy  was  thirteen  years  old,  the  family  moved  to  "Ernesdyl,"  near 
Walterboro. 

Till  he  was  thirteen  years  old,  young  Stokes  was  under  the  tuition 
of  his  aunt,  Miss  Elizabeth  A.  Lemacks.  At  that  age  he  had  Mr. 
Peter  J.  Malone,  the  gifted  journalist  and  poet  as  his  teacher.  To 
these  two  teachers  and  'Mv.  J.  M.  Cantwell,  who  taught  him  for  a 
while  at  St.  George,  S.  C,  is  due  the  educational  direction  of  his 
voune  life.  His  honored  aunt  laid  the  foundation  and  cultivated 
his  love  for  reading.  ]\Ir.  Malone.  an  elegant  writer  and  exact  critic, 
was  for  two  vears  a  constant  inspiration  to  young  Stokes'  life  and 
was  largely  instrumental  in  the  exact  and  precise  style  characteristic 
of  Mr.  Stokes  even  at  this  day.  The  father  being  unable  to  send  the 
bov  to  college,  his  only  chance  was  to  use  all  his  time  in  personal  ap- 
plication to  obtain  that  intellectual  development  for  which  his  soul 
yearned.     So  he  zealously  applied  himself  for  two  years,  pursuing 

20 — S. 


3o6  Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 

to  advanced  stages  the  studies  of  mathematics,  Latin  and  Greek. 
He  was  naturally  inclined  to  a  literary  life,  so  his  peculiar  literary 
tastes  and  abilities  began  early  to  express  themselves  in  the  composi- 
tion of  verses.  As  the  }-ears  have  gone  by,  he  has  found  both 
recreation  and  delight  in  keeping  up  this  literary  habit.  In  1885 
Mr.  Stokes  published  "Eldon  Drayton,"  an  interesting  little  book 
in  which  many  of  his  early  struggles  have  a  place.  Soon  after 
he  also  wrote  "Claire  de  \>aux,"  an  excellent  study  in  "Temperance 
Reform."  It  was  published  as  a  serial  in  the  Southern  Christian  Ad- 
vocate. For  nearly  a  year,  in  1883,  Mr.  Stokes  edited  "The  Temper- 
ance Worker,"  the  organ  of  the  temperance  societies  of  this  State, 
doing  for  the  time  most  excellent  service.  His  connection  with  the 
paper  was  severed  by  his  removal  from  Columbia.  Durmg  Dr.  W. 
D.  Kirkland's  editorial  management  of  The  Advocate  Mr.  Stokes 
did  editorial  work  on  the  paper  for  some  time.  He  has  been  simi- 
larly employed  for  part  of  the  time  during  Dr.  John  O.  Willson's 
management  of  the  paper.  His  work  in  that  capacity  has  been  effi- 
cient and  acceptable. 

Reared  in  the  country,  his  early  Church  opportunities  were  meai;re. 
But  the  Christian  home  in  which  he  was  trained  largely  made  up  for 
the  deficiency  in  Church  privileges.  His  precious  mother  regularly 
g-ave  the  children  instruction  in  the  Bible  and  catechism.  In  Octo- 
ber,  1 87 1,  the  young  man  joined  the  Church  at  Indian  Fields  Camp 
Meeting.  Mr.  Stokes  was  licensed  to  preach  June  6,  1874,  and 
joined  the  Conference  the  following  December.  He  was  ordained 
Deacon  by  Bishop  H.  H.  Kavanaugh,  and  Elder  by  Bishop  W.  M. 
Wightman.  He  has  served  as  follows :  Junior  preacher  on  Bennetts- 
ville  Circuit,  1875:  Sumter  Circuit,  1876;  Fort  Mill  Circuit,  1877-8; 
Ward  Circuit,  1879:  Marion  Street,  Columbia.  1880-3;  Orangeburg, 
1884;  Bennettsville  Station,  1885-6;  Newberry,  1887-8;  Bamberg 
and  Buford's  Bridge,  1889-91;  Spring  Street,  Charleston,  1892-5; 
Bennettsville  Station,  1896-8:  Georgetown,  1899. 

On  December  27.  1876,  Mr.  Stokes  was  married  to  Miss  Loretta 
P.  Barentine,  of  Marlboro  County,  S.  C.  They  have  four  children : 
Clare  Malone,  Elise  Meynardie,  jMarion  Boyd  and  Grace  Walter. 

In  the  space  allotted  we  can  give  only  a  bare  outline  of  the  interest- 
ing, happy  and  successful  life  of  our  friend.  He  is  an  excellent 
preacher,  a  laborious  pastor,  diligent  student,  versatile  writer,  true 
friend,  and,  above  all  a  Christian  gentleman. 


T\vF,xTiETH  Century  Sketches. 


307 


REV.  PETER  STOKES. 

Good  old  :\Iethodist  blood  flows  in  the  veins  of  the  subject  of  this 
sketch.  Rev.  Peter  Stokes.  He  is  the  son  of  Gen.  William  Stokes, 
one  of  the  best  men  in  the  State,  and  Mrs.  Eliza  J.  Stokes,  an  excel- 
lent Christian  woman.  He  was  born  to  these  good  parents  February 
21,  1871. 


brother  Stokes  has  had  the  very  best  educational  advantages.  Up 
to  fifteen  years  of  age,  he  attended  the  schools  at  his  place  of  birth. 
Early  Branch,  in  Hampton  County.  Here  the  teachers  were  em- 
ployed by  his  father  and  a  few  neighbors.  Then  till  he  was  seven- 
teen years  of  age  he  attended  school  at  Brunson.  S.  C,  under  that 
famous  teacher,  Rev.  John  Emory  ^\'atson.  From  here  he  went  to 
W'offord  College,  graduating  therefrom  in  June,  1891.  Not  yet  sat- 
isfied, he  went  next  to  the  Theological  Department  of  \'anderbilt 
University,  where  he  remained  till  1893.  Thus,  according  to  Bishop 
Keener's  illustration,  he  has  taken  ample  time  to  '"grind  liis  axe," 
and  no  doubt  the  results  will  show  his  wisdom  in  so  doing. 

Brother  Stokes  was  converted  during  a  meeting  iield  in  Spartan- 
burg. S.  C,  by  Evangelist  Bill  Fife  in  May.  1891.  He  graduated  the 
following  month  and  was  attending  to  business  for  his  father  during 
the  summer  of  that  year,  when  he  yielded  to  the  divine  call  to  preach 
which  he  had  been  trying  to  evade  on  account  of  an  impediment  in 
speech.     He  read  Isai.  32  :4.  and  all  doubts  were  dispelled  and  the 


3o8  Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


promise  contained  in  that  verse  has  been  literally  fulfilled  in  the  case 
of  our  dear  young  friend. 

He  joined  the  Conference  in  November,  1893,  with  L.  L.  Beden- 
baugh,  J.  A.  Campbell,  T.  Grigsby  Herbert,  W.  A.  Massebeau,  R.  E. 
Mood,  G.  E.  Stokes  and  J.  B.  Harris. 

He  has  served  the  following  charges:  Smithville  Circuit,  1894-7; 
Phoenix  Circuit,  1898,  In  August  of  this  year  he  was  elected  rector 
of  Cokesbury  Conference  School,  in  which  position  he  served  till 
June,  1899,  when  he  resigned  and  was  appointed  pastor  of  Lowndes- 
ville  Station,  where  he  remained  till  December.  1900.  At  the  recent 
session  of  the  Conference  he  was  appointed  to  Piedmont  Station  and 
has  hopefully  entered  upon  the  year's  work. 

On  April  5,  1900,  our  young  friend  was  married  to  Miss  Lavinia 
Harmon,  daughter  of  Rev.  George  T.  Harmon,  of  our  Conference. 

Thoroughly  equipped  mentally  and  spiritually,  and  blessed  with 
an  amiable  helpmeet,  and  with  all  his  powers  consecrated  to  God, 
there  is  no  reason  why  Peter  Stokes  should  not  have  a  very  success- 
ful career.     His  beginning  indeed  foretokens  a  life  of  great  fruitful- 


ness. 


*^m^* 


TwEXTiETH  Century  Sketches. 


309 


REV.  WHITEFOORD  S.  STOKES.  M.  D. 

Rev.  \\'hitefoord  Smith  Stokes,  M.  D.,  is  the  son  of  Rev.  A.  J. 
Stokes,  D.  D.,  and  grandson  of  Rev.  Whitefoord  Smith,  D.  D.  He 
was  born  in  Spartanburg,  S.  C,  April  6th,  1865.  He  was  educated 
in  the  private  and  high  schools  of  the  towns  where  his  father  lived. 


and  served  the  Church,  and  at  W'offord  College.  After  he  left 
school,  he  carried  on  his  studies,  and  he  has  acquired  a  scholastic 
culture,  broad  and  accurate,  and  a  considerable  acquaintance  with  the 
sciences.  He  has  a  remarkable  faculty  of  divining  what  is  to  be 
known,  and  where  and  how  to  find  it.  Hence,  he  is  well  up  with 
the  literature  and  leading  thoughts  of  the  day. 

He  was  graduated  in  medicine  in  the  University  of  Maryland. 
He  entered  upon  the  practice  of  his  profession  with  marked  promise 
of  success.  His  practice  and  his  reputation  as  a  scientific  physician 
increased  steadily. 

All  this  time,  however,  there  was  an  awful  question  pressing  for 
solution — his  call  to  the  ministry  of  the  Gospel.  At  last  the  sur- 
render came,  and  he  was  committed,  heart  and  soul,  to  the  Divine 
call.  He  was  licensed  to  preach,  and  joined  the  South  Carolina 
Conference,  ]Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  South,  in  December.  1890. 

As  a  thinker.  Dr.  Stokes  is  fresh,  strong  and  logical ;  as  a  speaker, 
he  is  fervid  and  forceful. 


3IO 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


With  his  bibhcal  studies,  he  continued  his  devotion  to  hterature 
and  science.  During  one  of  his  pastorates  there  was  a  vacancy  in 
the  headship  of  the  high  school  of  the  town,  and  his  known  scholar- 
ship and  executive  ability  pointed  him  out  as  the  most  desirable  one 
to  fill  it.  He  accepted  the  position  in  connection  with  his  pastorate. 
In  a  short  while  he  brought  the  school  to  a  high  standard  of  pro- 
ficiency ;  and,  with  the  concurrent  approval  of  patrons  and  trustees, 
he  was  unanimously  called  to  continue  in  office ;  but  demands  of  the 
puli>it  and  pastorate,  and  those  of  the  school  being  too  great  a 
strain  on  him,  he  declined  the  re-election,  and  continued  in  the  pas- 
torate. 

In  1899  he  was  called  to  the  rectorship  of  the  Cokesbury  Con- 
ference School,  once  so  renowned  and  useful  in  South  Carolina 
Methodism.  His  first  year  of  service  there  was  so  eminently  suc- 
cessful that  the  trustees,  contrary  to  their  custom,  re-elected  him 
to  succeed  himself  for  four  years.      (The  election  is  usually  annual.) 

While  he  is  well  fitted  for  the  pulpit,  platform,  and  pastorate,  he 
is  eminently  a  teacher,  a  controller  and  guide  of  youth,  and  a  man 
of  affairs.  Every  department  grows  under  his  guiding  hand.  He 
is  a  man  of  decided  opinions,  strong  convictions,  and  is  uncom- 
promising in  his  fidelity  to  principle.     His  life  of  usefulness  is  but 


fairlv  begun 


REV.  JAMES  CRASK  STOLL. 

The  Rev.  James  Crask  Stoll,  son  of  William  and  Caroline  Stoll, 
was  born  in  Charleston,  S.  C,  ^May  3rd,  1835.  Piously  reared,  he 
grew  to  manhood  without  being  soiled  in  character  and  life  by  any 
of  the  vices  so  common  to  youth.  Under  the  same  influence  he 
united  early  with  the  Church. 

His  education  was  received  in  the  public  schools  of  Charleston, 
which  are  known  to  do  good  and  thorough  work ;  but  he  has  been 
a  student  all  his  life,  and  especially  a  student  of  the  Bible.  We  have 
not  in  the  Conference  a  man  better  posted  in  the  Holy  Scriptures 
than  James  C.  Stoll. 

His  call  to  the  ministry  was  clear  and  pronounced.  It  was  inten- 
sified during  a  revival  of  great  power  at  Bethel  Church,  Charleston, 
in  the  year  1858.  Burning  with  the  love  of  souls  and  an  ardent 
desire  to  win  them  for  Christ,  he  asked  and  received  license  to  preach 
and  was  received  into  the  South  Carolina  Conference  in  December 
of  that  year. 

His  charges  have  been:  1859,  ]\Iarion  Circuit;  i860,  Chesterfield 
Circuit;  1861,  Williajnsburg  Circuit ;  1862,  Morganton  Circuit;  1863, 
Pineville    Circuit;    1864,    Manning  Circuit;    1865-66-67-68,    Black 


Twentieth  Cextlrv  Sketches.  311 

River  Circuit;  1869-70-71,  Providence  Circuit;  1872-73-74-75,  Little 
Rock  Circuit;  1876,  Sumter  Circuit;  1878-79-80-81,  Florence  Dis- 
trict: 1882-83,  Rock  Hill  Circuit;  1884-85.  Chester  Circuit;  1886, 
St.  Matthews  Circuit;  1887-88,  JJennettsville  Circuit;  1889-90.  Fair- 
field Circuit;  1891-92-93,  A\'illiamston  Circuit;  1894-95-96,  Xinety- 
Six  Circuit;  1897-98.  Branchville  Circuit;  1899,  Richburg  Circuit; 
1900,  North  Rock  Hill  Circuit. 

In  all  these  fields  of  labor  his  ministry  was  blessed,  and  he  re- 
ceived a  large  number  of  persons  into  the  Church. 

]5rothcr  Stoll  is  a  man  of  uiuisual  modesty.  While  brave  enough 
to  fearlessly  face  any  foe,  he  is  almost  timid  when  placed  in  a  con- 
spicuous position.  Pure  in  thought  and  word,  he  will  not  brook  any- 
thing which  is  lacking  in  clean  thought  and  chaste  expression. 
Friendly  and  loving,  he  cleaves  to  his  brethren  with  hooks  of  steel. 
Without  a  drop  of  bigot's  blood,  he  loves  Methodism  with  a  sur- 
passing affection.  It  is  natural  that  this  should  be  so.  When  the 
early  Methodists  were  driven  out  of  their  first  place  of  worship  in 
Charleston,  S.  C,  it  was  a  grandmother  of  his  who  opened  her  house 
to  them,  and  from  that  early  day  his  people  have  been  staunch 
Methodists.  As  a  Christian,  our  brother's  experience  has  been  clear 
and  his  practice  consistent.     He  walks  w'ith  God. 

Our  brother  is  one  of  the  strongest  preachers  in  our  body.  Loving 
the  W^ord  as  he  does,  it  is  natural  that  his  discourses  are  more  textual 
than  topical ;  but  they  are  always  on  live  subjects,  couched  in  choice 
language  and  uttered  in  the  power  of  the  Spirit. 

About  two  years  ago  he  had  a  severe  fall,  from  the  effects  of  which 
he  has  never  entirely  recovered.  The  disability  became  so  great 
that  at  Chester  Conference,  1900.  he  asked  and  was  granted  a  super- 
annuated relation.  It  is  a  pity  that  the  work  of  so  gifted  a  preacher 
must  end  so  soon. 

On  November  25th,  1861.  he  married  Miss  Mary  L.  McCullough, 
of  W'illiamsburg  County,  who  still  blesses  his  home.  There  are 
eight  living  children — Samuel  N.,  \\'illiam  M.,  Charles  W..  James 
C.  Jr..  Philip  H.,  Sue  L.,  Mary  P.  and  Alice  W.  One  died  long 
since — Ervin  C.  Stoll. 


312 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


KEV.  J.  E.  STRICKLAND. 

Rev.  Julius  Erasmus  Strickland,  son  of  William  Anderson  Strick- 
land and  Mary  Henrietta  Strickland,  was  born  ^larch  4,  1875. 

His  educational  advantages  were  somewhat  limited,  being  confined 
to  the  common  schools  of  the  countrv.     But  the  lad  made  good  use 


of  these,  and  laid  the  foundation  for  study  and  culture,  and  by  con- 
tinuous effort  he  is  successfully  building  upon  this  foundation. 

In  1894,  when  about  nineteen  years  old,  he  was  converted  and 
joined  the  Church  at  Little  Swamp  Church,  under  the  ministry  of 
Rev.  Eli  M.  jNIcKissick.  pastor  of  South  Branchville  Circuit.  He 
was  licensed  to  preach  b}-  the  Orangeburg  District  Conference,  May 
9,  1897,  Rev.  John  Owen,  Presiding  Elder,  and  Rev.  E.  A.  Wilkes, 
pastor.  Brother  Strickland  was  admitted  on  trial  into  the  Confer- 
ence in  November,  1897.  He  served  for  1898  as  junior  preacher  on 
Orangeburg  Station,  after  which  he  was  sent  to  Wateree  Alission, 
where  he  remained  two  years,  1899- 1900,  doing  faithful  and  accept- 
able work.  At  the  session  in  Chester,  December,  1900,  he  was  ad- 
mitted into  full  connection,  was  ordained  Deacon  by  Bishop  R.  K. 
Hargrove,  and  was  appointed  to  McClellanville  Circuit. 

On  December  26,  1900,  Brother  Strickland  was  married  to  Miss 
Carrie  E.  Hardin,  of  Chester,  S.  C,  who  seems  to  be  well  qualified 
to  make  an  excellent  helpmeet  for  our  young  friend. 


Twentieth  Centlrv  Sketches. 


313 


Brother  Strickland  is  a  young  man.  considerably  above  the  average 
in  ordinarv  intelligence,  and,  being  a  man  of  studious  habits,  bids 
fair  to  take  high  rank  among  us. 


REV.  E.  P.  TAYLOR. 

The  career  of  the  Rev.  Ellie  Preston  Taylor  ought  to  be  known  to 
ever>-  boy  who  hungers  for  an  education  and  yet  supposes  the  way 
is  closed  against  him.  After  reading  the  story,  everyone  is  com- 
pelled to  realize  that  "where  there's  a  will  there's  a  way."     And  true 


boys  and  men  nuist  feel  like  standing  uncovered  in  the  presence  of  a 
hero — a  hero  of  peace. 

Ellie  P.  Tavlor,  the  son  of  John  and  Satina  Bailey  Taylor,  was 
born  near  Mar's  Blufif.  S.  C,  January  i,  i860.  His  parents  were  pious 
people,  who  were  rich  only  in  faith.  They  lived  on  a  farm  which 
barelv  afforded  a  support,  and  they  and  their  children  tilled  the  soil. 

Ellie  grew  up  just  as  a  farm  boy  in  such  condition  must.  He  at- 
tended, whenever  possible,  the  schools  of  the  neighborhood.  About 
the  age  of  nine  this  country  lad.  not  yet  having  a  fair  knowledge  of 
the  rtidiments  of  an  education,  not  only  thirsted  for  a  collegiate 
course,  but  determined  to  secure  it — his  parents  being  in  sympathy 
with  his  purpose— and  he  did  it.     Let  us  take  the  story  from  himself. 


314  Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 

The  writer  asked  for  it  to  be  written  out  by  Brother  Taylor,  and 
here  is  a  modest  statement  of  it : 

'T  entered  the  preparatory  department  of  \\^offord  College  in  Jan- 
nary,  1879,  ^"<^  remained  in  this  department  until  June,  1880.  I  first 
entered  the  Freshman  class  in  October,  1880,  and  because  of  limited 
means,  thinking  possibly  that  this  would  be  my  only  year  in  college, 
I  pursued  a  special  course  of  studies.  However,  a  way  was  opened 
for  me  to  return  in  October,  1881,  but  the  same  kind  Providence  that 
opened  the  door  for  my  return  soon  closed  the  same,  for  before  the 
close  of  the  month  of  October  I  was  called  home  on  account  of  the 
death  of  my  mother  and  the  illness  of  my  father.  But  again  in  Oc- 
tober, 1882,  I  began  college  life.  Now,  not  only  poor,  but  married, 
yet  not  hampered  or  hindered,  for  the  economy  and  needle  of  the  wife 
added  much  to  our  scanty  larder.  So  the  work  taken  up  in  October, 
1882,  was  continued  until  June,  1888,  when  I  received  my  diploma. 

"My  stay  at  college  was  always  delightful  because  of  my  intense 
desire  to  learn,  but  I  had  to  practice  the  strictest  economy  as  my 
father  was  poor  and  had  a  large  family  to  support.  It  was  while 
I  was  in  the  preparatory  department  that  my  father  wrote  me  that 
he  could  aid  me  no  more  and  for  me  to  come  home.  I  wrote  father 
asking  him  would  he  be  willing  for  me  to  remain  and  pursue  my 
studies  if  I  could  make  arrangements  myself  to  do  so.  He  replied, 
'certainly.' 

"The  replv  removed  a  burden  from  my  heart.  At  the  time  I  was 
boarding  in  a  private  family  and  rooming  in  the  college,  and  this,  of 
course,  I  was  forced  to  discontinue.  So  to  remain  I  boarded  my- 
self, furnishing  my  table  with  a  cheap  grade  of  molasses  and  loaf- 
bread,  and  even  allowed  myself  only  a  limited  amount  of  loaf  and 
molasses  each  day.  The  only  thing  I  had  in  abundance  was  good 
water.  I  ate  but  little  or  no  meat  or  butter,  save  when  I  was  invited 
to  take  a  meal  out  with  a  friend.  1  did  not  drink  in  my  own  room 
from  my  own  little  table  one  glass  of  milk  or  one  cup  of  coffee  or 
tea  during  the  term.  My  good  mother  was  living  at  the  time  and  she 
sent  me  during  the  term  two  boxes  of  cooked  food  such  as  loaf-bread, 
baked  chicken,  cake.  But  when  the  box  was  received  it  was  opened 
and  friends  called  in  to  the  feast.  So  the  boxes  from  home  added 
but  little  to  my  larder.  I  kept  an  itemized  account  of  my  expend- 
itures for  board  for  one  month  and  the  items  at  the  end  of  the  month 
footed  up  $1.75.  This  was  my  board  bill  per  month  for  several 
months — plus  what  meals  were  taken  with  friends  and  an  occasional 
box  from  home.  Suffice  it  to  say,  that  I  was  never  troubled  with  in- 
digestion or  nightmares. 

"And  mv  college  course  was  pursued  under  no  less  pressure  than 
was  my  preparatory  education.  I  entered  college  October,  1882, 
with  a  wife  and  only  ten  dollars  in  my  purse.     My  brother-in-law, 


Twentieth  Cexturv  Sketches.  315 


James  Hunt,  boarded  my  wife  and  myself  for  tlie  first  year.  I 
taiig-ht  school  the  next  year  and  made  sufificient  to  pay  up  back  in- 
debtedness for  board  and  to  pay  my  expenses  another  year  at  college. 
A  similar  course  was  followed  after  my  Sophomore  year. 

"My  greatest  pressure  was  during  my  senior  year.  When  I  com- 
pleted mv  junior  year  I  determined  not  to  go  out  into  the  country 
and  teach  for  another  year,  thus  taking  two  years  to  complete  my 
course  at  college.  So  I  entered  the  senior  class,  almost  penniless, 
but  with  a  strong  determination  to  remain  at  my  studies  until  I 
should  finish.  I  set  myself  to  work,  I  prayed  much,  I  endeavored 
to  exercise  a  strong  faith  in  God  that  He  would  open  the  door  for 
mv  entrance  soon  as  an  itinerant  Methodist  minister — but  not  until 
I  had  completed  my  studies  at  Wofiford.  So  to  my  great  delight  I 
found  that  it  would  be  possible  for  me  to  continue  my  studies  another 
year. 

"I  made  m\-  way  by  chopping  wood — made  as  much  as  six  dollars 
a  week  chopping.  Having  a  mechanical  turn  I  managed  to  make 
something  that  way — by  the  use  of  tools — such  as  making  picket 
fences  and  other  simple  things.  I  had  the  good  fortune  to  make 
fifty  cents  one  evening  by  taking  the  place  of  a  washerwoman  and 
doing  some  washing  for  a  good  lady.  The  president  of  the  college 
gave  me  the  janitorship,  and  for  the  sweeping  and  making  of  the 
fires  in  the  college  I  was  paid  seven  dollars  per  month.  This  proved 
a  great  help  to  me.  but  added  much  to  my  already  heav\-  college  du- 
ties. I  carried  much  of  the  wood  used  to  make  fires  from  the  ground 
floor  to  the  third  story  of  the  building.  I  would  do  this  on  Satur- 
days and  other  spare  moments.  In  December  of  my  senior  year  I 
was  made  pastor  of  Bethel  church — the  City  Mission.  I  preached 
twice  each  Sabbath,  conducting  a  prayer  meeting  every  Thursday 
evening.  The  church  was  more  than  one  mile  from  my  home.  This 
added  greatly  to  my  already  overburdened  shoulders.  So  the  pres- 
sure of  my  last  year  in  college  was  very  great  indeed.  I  had  the 
regular  college  course — French  extra^I  was  janitor,  having  seven 
or  eight  fires  to  make  each  cold  morning,  the  college  to  sweep, 
I  was  a  Station  preacher  and  preached  two  new  sermons  each  Sun- 
day, I  had  a  family  to  look  after,  all  the  shopping  to  do.  my  own 
wood  to  chop,  fires  to  make.  I  was  forced  to  rise  early  and  work 
until  late  at  night. 

"But  God  was  good  to  wife  and  to  me.  My  health  remained  good. 
I  passed  all  my  college  examinations  without  failure  in  any,  and  in 
June  bade  my  kind  and  indulgent  teachers  good-bye  with  a  heart 
full  to  overflowing  with  gratitude  to  Almighty  God  for  having  aided 
me  to  press  my  way  through  college. 

•T  felt  then,  and  still  feel,  that  man  by  God's  grace  can  become 


3i6  Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


master  of  his  circumstances  and  make  of  himself  what  God  designed 
him  to  be." 

The  writer  of  this  sketch  saw  the  graduation  exercises,  heard  the 
address  of  the  college  student,  witnessed  the  congratulations  of  the 
president  and  others,  and  was  tenderly  moved  when  the  graduate's 
little  daughter  carried  to  him  a  handsome  bouquet.  It  is  not  often 
that  a  college  and  community  rejoice  over  such  a  triumph. 

Brother  Taylor  was  converted  and  joined  the  Church  in  childhood. 
As  to  his  call  to  the  ministry  we  c^uote  his  own  words : 

'T  can  remember  no  time  when  I  did  not  feel  the  call  to  preach  the 
Gospel.  I  fully  believe  that  God  set  me  apart  from  my  first  begin- 
ning to  be  a  dispenser  of  His  Word.  I  was  licensed  as  an  exhorter 
in  Liberty  Chapel,  near  Mars  Bluff,  S.  C,  Rev.  Sidi  H.  Browne  was 
Presiding  Elder:  I  was  licensed  to  preach  in  Spartanburg.  S.  C, 
Central  Church,  1887,  Rev.  Thomas  G.  Herbert  was  Presiding  El- 
der ;  was  received  on  trial  into  the  South  Carolina  Conference  No- 
vember, 1888,  in  Winnsboro,  S.  C." 

He  has  served  the  following  charges : 

Kinard's  Circuit,  1889;  Waterloo  Circuit,  1890;  Princeton  Cir- 
cuit, 1891-92;  Saluda  Circuit,  1893-94:  McCormick  Circuit,  1895-96; 
Piedmont  Station,  1897-98;  Bishopville  Station,  1899-1900;  Winns- 
boro Station,  1901.  -" 

On  March  i.  1882,  Brother  Taylor  married  Miss  Elizabeth  J. 
Thompson,  of  Spartanburg,  S.  C,  Rev.  John  T.  Wightman,  D.  D., 
officiating.  To  many  this  would  have  been  the  end  of  the  struggle 
for  a  college  diploma,  but  not  so  in  this  instance.  The  wife  was  a 
help  and  no  hindrance,  and  a  helpmeet  she  has  been  to  this  day. 
Four  children  are  the  fruit  of  this  union :  Elizabeth,  John  Thomp- 
son, Ellie  Preston,  Jr.,  and  James  Carlisle. 

It  is  needless  to  describe  the  preacher  and  pastor  such  a  man  be- 
comes and  continues.  He  is  just  what  one  might  expect  from  his 
earlv  vears — a  fine,  thoughtful  preacher,  a  faithful,  sincere  pastor — 
and  God  has  honored  his  ministry  everywhere.  May  such  men  be 
multiplied. 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


2>^7 


REV.  J.  H.  THACKER. 

Rev.  James  Herbert  Thacker,  son  of  Rev.  W.  H.  Thackcr  and 
Mary  Elizabeth  (Gower)  Thacker,  was  born  April  28,  1862.  He 
had  the  visual  attention  educationally  in  his  early  years.  He  then 
attended  a  school  at  Piedmont,  S.  C,  under  the  supervision  of  Miss 


Emma  Young-.  At  the  age  of  fifteen  years  he  went  to  a  school 
taught  by  Prof.  Ezekiel  Long.  When  he  reached  his  22nd  year,  he 
entered  the  Preparatory  Department  of  W'ofTord  College.  Very  few 
young  men  have  ever  had  a  more  heroic  struggle  to  obtain  an  educa- 
tion. The  war  left  young  Thacker's  father  a  physical  and  financial 
wreck,  unable  to  assist  his  boy  in  obtaining  an  education.  But  the 
boy  was  not  to  be  outdone.  As  stated  above,  he  entered  the  Pre- 
paratory Department  of  Woft'ord  College  at  the  age  of  twenty-two 
years.  By  doing  janitor's  work  while  at  college  and  by  selling  books 
and  teaching  during  vacation,  he  managed  to  continue  his  course 
until  his  graduation  in  June.  1891,  being  then  twenty-nine  years  old. 
What  an  inspiration  this  record  should  be  to  every  yc^ung  man  de- 
siring an  education  ! 

Soon  after  his  conversion.  Brother  Thacker  felt  called  to  preach, 
but,  like  most  others,  strove  to  evade  the  work.  During  the  struggle 
he  read  law^  and  medicine,  promising  God  to  give  all  he  could  make 
in  either  of  these.  But  this  would  not  meet  the  requirements  of 
the  Divine  call.     God  had  called  him  to  preach — not  to  make  money. 


3i8  Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 

The  struggle  ended  March  2,  1887,  at  2  o'clock  a.  m.  Then  and 
there,  this  young  man,  with  a  strong  mind  and  body,  laid  all  on  God's 
altar.  The  day  after  his  graduation,  in  1891,  he  was  appointed  a 
supply  on  the  North  Greenville  Circuit  to  fill  the  unexpired  term  of 
Rev.  J.  R.  Betts.  In  December,  1891,  he  was  received  on  trial  at 
the  session  of  the  Conference  held  in  Darlington,  S.  C,  the  other 
members  of  the  class  being  Alexander  N.  Brunson,  A.  J.  Cauthen, 
Jr.,  C.  Hovey  Clyde,  John  D.  Crout,  William  C.  Winn,  Eli  U.  Uc- 
Kissick. 

He  has  served  as  follows:  North  Greenville  Circuit,  1892;  Ridge- 
ville  Circuit,  1893;  Hartsville  Circuit,  1894;  Hickory  Grove  Circuit, 
1895-8;  Rock  Hill  Circuit  and  Laurel  Street,  1899;  Oswego  Circuit, 
1900-1901.  During  his  pastorate  at  Hickory  Grove,  a  handsome 
parsonage  was  built  and  various  repairs  were  made  on  the  churches. 
While  he  served  Rock  Hill  Circuit,  a  large  debt  was  paid  off.  Since 
he  was  sent  to  Oswego,  some  much-needed  repairs  have  been  made. 
Brother  Thacker  is  a  most  zealous  pastor  and  energetic  worker. 
His  sermons  show  careful  preparation  and  are  well  delivered.  The 
work  of  the  Lord  prospers  in  his  hands. 

He  was  married  July  15,  1891,  to  Miss  Annie  M.  Goddard,  of 
Laurens  County,  S.  C.  They  have  four  children— Helen  Goddard, 
Ruth,  Annette,  Jimmie  Beth. 


Twentieth  Centl'Rv  Sketches. 


319 


REV.  W.  H.  THROWER. 

Rev.  Wade  Hampton  Thrower,  son  of  Augustus  E.  and  Josephine 
Thrower,  was  born  September  21.  1863.  Like  other  country  boys, 
voung  Thrower's  early  educational  advantages  were  confined  to  the 
usual  country  schools.     After  this  ])re])aratory  training  he  attended 


one  of  the  Charleston  schools  for  some  time.  When  called  to  preach, 
he  determined  to  better  prepare  himself  intellectually,  consequently 
he  entered  the  Carlisle  Fitting  School,  Bamberg.  S.  C,  and  remained 
there  quite  a  while  under  the  instruction  of  Prof. -Hugo  G.  Sheri- 
dan. Sr. 

In  earl\-  life.  Brother  Thrower  liad  an  iin])ression  that  he  ought 
to  preach,  '['his  impression  deepened  until  it  became  an  irresistible 
conviction.  While  living  at  Ridgeville,  S.  C,  during  a  meeting  con- 
ducted by  Rev.  W.  A.  Alassebeau,  assisted  l\v  Rev.  C.  H.  Clyde,  in 
May,  1894,  he  settled  once  for  all  the  question,  and  consecrated  him- 
self to  the  work  of  the  ministry.  He  was  received  on  trial  into  the 
Conference  at  Abbeville,  S.  C,  December.  1896.  with  Sidi  B.  Harper, 
U.  \V.  Keller,  W.  C.  Kirkland,  J.  C.  Roper,  F.  Hawkins  Shuler, 
Foster  Speer. 

His  charges  have  been  as  follows:  McClcllanville,  1897:  Berkeley, 
1898-9;  Salters,  1900-1901. 

On  December  29,   1892.  Brother  Thrower  was  married  to  Miss 


320 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


Emma  E.  Easterling,  of  Ridgeville,  S.  C,  who  is  proving  a  faithful 
and  devoted  helper  in  the  work  of  an  itinerant's  hfe. 

Brother  Thrower  is  a  truly  consecrated  worker,  and  the  Lord  is 
blessing  him  in  his  work.  His  one  object  is  to  glorify  God  and  lead 
men  to  a  saving  knowledge  of  Christ. 


REV.  DOVE  TILLER. 

Rev.  Dove  Tiller,  son  of  Mr.  Ervin  Tiller  and  ^Irs.  Eliza  Mc- 
Laurin  Tiller,  was  born  April  3,  1848.  His  mother  was  of  a  Pres- 
byterian family,  but  she  herself  was  always  a  Methodist.  The  pa- 
rents were  greatly  interested  in  the  education  of  the  boy,  so  the 


subject  of  this  sketch  was  kept  at  school  almost  incessantly.  He  also 
had  thorough  training  under  Prof.  William  Baker,  of  White  Plains, 
Prof.  John^R.  Shaw,^of  Kershaw  County,  and  Prof.  I.  Wright  (for 
many  years  a  professor  in  Trinity  College,  N.  C),  from  1868  to 

1871. 

At  the  age  of  seventeen  years  he  realized  the  call  to  preach,  having 
been  converted  and  having  joined  the  Church  about  one  year  before 
this  date.  The  call  was  sudden,  yet  plain,  emphatic,  and  unmistak- 
able. After  one  year  of  refusal  and  indescribable  struggle,  he 
yielded  and  from  that  day  till  this  preaching  is  his  chief  joy. 


TwEXTiETH  Century  Sketches.  321 


Brother  Tiller  joined  the  Conference  in  December,  1871,  with  D. 
D.  Dantzler.  J.  K.  McCain,  and  J.  B.  Wilson. 

Since  joining  his  labors  have  been  distributed  as  follows :  Lynch- 
burg Circuit,  1872;  junior  preacher  on  Buck  Swamp  Circuit,  1873; 
junior  preacher  on  Bennettsville  Circuit,  1874;  Conway  Station, 
1875;  Cheraw  Station,  1876;  Kingstree  Station,  1877;  Ellenton  Cir- 
cuit, 1878;  South  Branchville  Circuit,  1879-1882;  Williston  Circuit, 
1883;  Orangeburg  Circuit,  1884-6;  Branchville  Circuit.  1887-8;  Den- 
mark Circuit,  1889-90;  Blackville,  189 1  ;  Jonesville  Circuit,  1892-3; 
Prosperity  Circuit,  1894-5;  Newberry  Circuit,  1896-9;  Blenheim  Cir- 
cuit, 1900 ;  Latta,  1901.  Our  good  friend  and  brother  has  been  success- 
ful in  all  these  fields  of  labor.  The  Lord  has  greatly  blessed  his  labors 
and  has  manifested  the  divine  approval  in  the  salvation  of  hundreds 
of  souls.  Many  who  are  in  heaven  and  many  others  who  are  on  the 
wav  were  led  to  Jesus  by  this  consecrated  servant  of  the  Lord.  One 
who  is  now  a  member  of  the  Conference  was  converted  under 
Brother  Tiller  during  his  first  year  in  the  ministry.  He  is  handsome 
in  person,  pleasant  in  manners,  and  amiable  in  disposition.  He 
preaches  with  great  force  and  acceptability  and  his  pastoral  minis- 
trations are  helpful  to  the  people. 

Brother  Tiller  has  been  twice  married.  His  first  wife  was  Miss 
Lillie  Jones,  daughter  of  Rev.  W.  W.  Jones,  of  our  Conference. 
They  were  married  October  31,  1878.  This  wife  died  May  22,  1889. 
His  second  marriage  was  on  June  25,  189 1,  to  Miss  Emma  W.  Dukes, 
daughter  of  Mr.  W.  P.  Dukes,  of  Rowesville,  S.  C.  The  names  of 
the  children  are  Ervin  Maurice,  Anna  ^Margaret,  Lorena  Elise,  ]\larie 
Merlie,  Wendell  Holmes,  and  Daisy  Dukes.  Both  wives  were  grad- 
uated from  the  Columbia  Female  College,  greatly  aiding  our  brother 
in  his  work. 


21— s. 


322 


Twentieth  Cextury  Sketches. 


REV.  J.  B.  TRAYWICK. 

Joseph  Benjamin  Traywick  was  born  October  15,  1844,  in  Anson 
County,  N.  C.  His  parents  were  Asa  Traywick  and  Delilah  Helms 
Traywick.  His  great  grandfather  Traywick  came  from  England, 
and  was  a  Quaker  preacher.     Berryman  Traywick,  his  grandfather, 


was  one  of  the  first  IMethodists  in  Anson  County,  X.  C.  xA.sa  Tray- 
wick was  a  leading  Alethodist  of  his  County  for  fifty  years ;  gifted 
in  prayer  and  exhortation,  his  knowledge  of  the  Scripture  was  phe- 
nomenal, he  was  known  by  the  preachers  as  the  "walking  concord- 
ance." 

The  subject  of  this  sketch  was  his  seventh  and  youngest  son.  His 
moral  and  religious  training,  both  by  precept  and  example,  was  of  the 
highest  order.  He  was  converted  at  sixteen,  under  the  ministry  of 
Simpson  Jones.  His  school  opportunities  were  rather  poor,  but 
being  fond  of  books,  and  a  good,  small  library  in  the  home,  he  had 
made  good  progress.  When  the  Civil  war  opened,  he  was  then  six- 
teen years  old,  and  would  soon  have  gone  to  college,  but  the  war 
broke  up  all  his  plans.  He  was  one  whole  year  in  camp,  on  the 
march  and  in  prison,  was  in  thirteen  battles,  captured  at  Fisher's 
Hill,  was  kept  in  prison  at  Point  Lookout  until  Feb.  18,  1864. 

Having  no  college  opportunity  during  the  war  he  secured  the  help 
of  a  fine  teacher.  Prof.  J.  B.  Ashcraft,  and  studying  under  him,  and 
teaching  with  him,  some  compensation  was  made  for  the  loss  in  edu- 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches.  323 

cation  sustained  by  the  war.  After  Lee  had  surrendered  in  1865  he 
went  forward  and  was  hcensed  to  preach  by  Dr.  Charles  Taylor.  He 
joined  the  Conference  at  Charlotte  in  1865 ;  only  one  other  joined  at 
that  Conference — J.  B.  Piatt. 

Mr.  Travwick's  first  appointment  was  Xewberry  Circuit  as  junior 
preacher,  J.  H.  Zimmerman,  senior ;  he  served  this  work  two  years. 
His  third  and  fourth  years  were  on  ]\Iapleton  Circuit,  three  at  Pen- 
dleton, three  at  Laurens,  one  on  Cokesbury,  three  on  Tumbling 
Shoals,  four  on  Saluda,  two  at  Rock  Hill,  four  on  Chester  Circuit, 
three  at  Prosperity,  two  at  Batesburg,  two  at  Clio,  two  at  Brights- 
ville,  and  again  two  on  Chester  Circuit,  making  six  years  on  this 
charge. 

Mr.  Travwick  has  combined  the  pastor  and  evangelist,  having  con- 
ducted a  number  of  revival  services  outside  his  charges,  but  he  has 
generally  stuck  close  to  his  own  work  and  conducted  his  meeting; 
many  seals  have  been  made  to  his  ministry.  One  source  of  great 
jov  to  his  heart  has  been  so  many  have  turned  out  ministers,  ten  of 
them  are  now  in  the  South  Carolina  Conference. 

Mr.  Trayw^ick  was  married  in  1867,  in  Newberry,  S.  C,  to  Miss 
Caroline  Buzhardt.  They  have  had  ten  children,  three  of  whom  died 
in  childhood.  Their  eldest  daughter,  Mary,  is  now  'Sirs.  J.  F.  Har- 
din, of  Chester,  S.  C. ;  their  second  daughter,  Bessie,  is  now  Mrs. 
W.  C.  Smith,  of  Clio,  S.  C. ;  their  third  daughter,  Miss  Anna,  is  teach- 
ing music  in  Lancaster,  and  their  youngest  daughter,  Kate,  is  at  home 
attending  school.  Their  eldest  son,  David  Derrick  Traywick,  is  ex- 
press agent  at  Charlotte,  N.  C. ;  their  second  son,  Asa  Paul  Traywick, 
will,  in  a  year  or  two,  complete  his  medical  course  in  Baltimore,  and 
their  youngest  son,  Heber  Helms  Traywick,  is  at  work  in  Chester. 
The  three  eldest  daughters  all  graduated  from  Columbia  College,  and 
all  taught  a  number  of  years. 

Mr.  Traywick  is  now  fifty-five  years  old,  and  in  robust  health. 
While  seasoned  with  years  of  hard  work,  the  fires  of  youth  are  still 
burning,  and  he  is  full  of  zeal  for  the  work.  Doubtless  no  man  in 
the  Conference  has  been  more  faithful  in  the  discharge  of  duty. than 
Brother  Traywick.  He  has  a  record  of  fidelity  that  any  man  should 
prize  highlv.  A  life  of  such  bright  noonday  should  have  a  peaceful 
and  glorious  sunset.     ]\Iay  his  last  days  be  his  best ! 


324  Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


REV.  R.  S.  TRTJESDALE. 

Robert  S.  Truesdale,  son  of  Thomas  B.  and  Olivia  A.  Truesdale, 
was  born  in  Alontgomery  County,  Miss.,  ^^larch  26,  1874.  His 
parents  moved  from  Lancaster  County  to  ]\Iississippi  soon  after  the 
Civil  War,  and  returned  to  South  Carolina  when  their  son  Robert 
was  about  seven  years  of  age.  Upon  returning,  they  located  in 
Kershaw  County. 

Brother  Truesdale  attended  the  common  schools  until  1890.  In 
September  of  that  year  he  went  to  Rutherford  JNlilitary  Institute, 
of  which  Capt.  W.  T.  R.  Bell  was  superintendent.  There  he  spent 
three  years.  He  entered  Wofford  College  in  October,  1893,  and 
graduated  in  June,  1897. 

He  was  soundly  converted  in  1892,  and  from  that  good  day  to 
this  has  been  a  manly,  consistent,  working  Christian.  His  influence 
in  college  was  excellent.  He  had  the  respect  and  affection  of  the 
boys  and  of  the  faculty.  While  at  college  he  became  satisfied  of  his 
call  to  preach  the  Gospel,  and  was  licensed  in  1896.  Immediately 
upon  graduating,  he  was  placed  in  charge  of  the  Greenville  City 
Alission,  and  there  rendered  admirable  service.  In  September  he 
went  to  Vanderbilt  University,  and  spent  two  years  in  that  institu- 
tion, serving  with  success  the  Fillmore  Street  Mission  during  most 
of  that  time.  He  was  admitted  into  the  South  Carolina  Annual 
Conference  at  Orangeburg  in  December,  1899,  and  was  assigned 
to  Edgewood  Circuit,  to  which  he  was  returned,  at  the  urgent  re- 
quest of  the  people,  after  a  year  of  remarkable  success. 

Brother  Truesdale  is  a  pleasant,  companionable  man,  of  quiet,  un- 
pretending manner ;  and  yet  his  manliness  and  sincerity  will  impress 
the  most"  casual  observers.  Therefore,  he  makes  friends  easily, 
and  holds  them  strongly.  He  is  devoted  to  his  work— is  a  "work- 
man." In  the  ministry,  as  in  his  years  of  preparation,  he  believes 
that  he  is  called  to  work — and  he  does  it  with  might  and  main.  As 
a  pastor,  he  is  faithful,  sympathetic.  He  is  a  preacher  of  power. 
His  sermons  evidence  careful  thought  and  preparation,  and  are 
couched  in  strong,  vigorous  language.  His  delivery  is  very  im- 
pressive, and  the  Holy  Spirit  accompanies  the  word  he  speaks.  It  is 
not  enough  to  say  that  he  promises  to  be  a  successful  preacher— he  is 
already  one.  And  the  writer  is  confident  that  that  success  will  be 
more  and  more  marked  as  the  years  go  by. 

On  December  20,  1900,  he  married  Miss  Bessie  Ariail,  daughter 
of  the  Rev.  W.  H.  Ariail,  of  our  Conference.  An  old  friend  may 
be  permitted  to  say  that  he  has  chosen  wisely  in  winning  the  sweet, 
gentle  Christian,  who  is  his  helper  and  inspiration. 


Twentieth  Cextlkv  Sketches.  325 


REV.  ROBERT  EDWARD  TURNIPSEED. 

Robert  Edward  Turnipseed,  son  of  Barnwell  Rhett  Turnipseed, 
was  born  in  Upper  Township,  Richland  County,  S.  C,  November 
21,  1873.  His  mother's  maiden  name  was  Miss  Matilda  Turner,  of 
Grenada  County,  Miss.  The  subject  of  this  sketch  was  dedicated  to 
God  in  infancy,  and  his  earliest  aspirations  were  to  preach  the  Gospel 
of  Christ.  His  rudimentary  education  was  received  under  the 
instruction  of  his  father,  in  a  country  school.  He  afterwards 
attended  Mount  Zion  Institute,  at  \\'innsboro,  S.  C,  in  which 
institution  his  father  was  a  teacher;  thence  he  went  to  Co- 
lumbia and  entered  school.  After  the  death  of  ^^Ir.  Turnip- 
seed's  father,  his  mother  removed  to  the  old  home,  where  the  boy 
again  attended  the  country  school.  In  1890,  he  entered  the  Fresh- 
man class  in  W'ottord  College,  Spartanburg,  S.  C,  but  withdrew 
the  following  May.  In  1894.  he  entered  the  South  Carolina  College, 
Columbia,  S.  C.  where  he  remained  for  some  time. 

Through  all  these  years  there  lingered  with  the  young  man  that 
desire  begotten  in  his  soul  in  childhood — the  desire  to  preach  the 
Word  of  God.  At  a  critical  time  when  his  soul  was  in  deep  distress, 
he  cried  unto  God,  was  heard,  and  answered,  receiving  the  peace  of 
acceptance  with  God.  This  was  under  the  ministry  of  that  vener- 
able servant  of  God,  Rev.  J.  C.  StoU,  who  then  placed  his  hands 
upon  the  young  man's  head  and  prayed  God  to  call  him  to  preach. 
After  struggling  with  doubt  and  difficulties  for  some  time,  !Mr. 
Turnipseed  yielded  himself  fully  up  to  Christ  and  realized  beyond 
doubt  his  call  to  the  ministry.  Eighteen  months  afterward  he  was 
licensed  to  preach.  In  December.  1897.  at  Florence,  S.  C.  he  was 
received  on  trial  into  the  South  Carolina  Conference,  Bishop  \\'.  \\'. 
Duncan  presiding.  His  first  charge  was  Iva  Circuit,  in  the  Green- 
ville District,  which  he  successfully  served  one  year.  x\t  the  next 
session  of  the  Conference  he  was  appointed  to  Port  Royal  Circuit, 
where  he  has  rendered  very  efficient  and  acceptable  service  for  two 
years. 

On  January  10,  1900,  Mr.  Turnipseed  was  married  to  ]^Iiss  Kate 
C.  Isbell,  of  Fairfield  County,  who  bravely  linked  her  hopes  and 
destinies  with  his.  and  bids  fair  to  make  our  friend  and  brother  an 
able  and  helpful  assistant. 

Mr.  Turnipseed  has  every  promise  of  a  long  and  successful  min- 
istry.    He  is  a  hard  student,  a  diligent  pastor  and  excellent  preacher. 


326 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


REV.  S.  D.  VAUGHAN. 

The  Rev.  Samuel  D.  Vaughan  is  a  combination  of  cheery  sunshine 
and  fearless  courage.  Happy  himself  he  carries  happiness  to  those 
he  meets  ;  true  to  the  uttermost  to  God  and  man  he  cannot  pass  incon- 
sistencies and  unfaithfulness  in  others.     He  is  happiest  at  old  Cy- 


press camp  meeting  in  seasons  of  power  and  refreshing  and  he  is 
most  fearless  when  assailing  sin  in  what  men  call  "high  places." 

He  is  the  son  of  Thomas  A'aughan  and  was  born  in  Colleton  Dis- 
trict (now  County),  S.  C,  April  26,  1846.  His  educational  advan- 
tages were  good  (his  father  being  a  leading  teacher  of  his  section) 
but  were  confined  to  the  home  schools. 

At  the  age  of  sixteen  he  volunteered  and  entered  the  Confederate 
armv,  being  stationed  one  year  on  the  South  Carolina  coast  and 
spending  two  years  in  the  Western  army.  Till  the  surrender  he  ren- 
dered soldierly  service.  Returning  home  he  faced  the  issues  of  peace 
with  the  same  courage  he  had  shown  in  war.  December  29,  1869, 
he  married  Miss  Lou  R.  Cummings,  daughter  of  the  saintly  Christian 
leader,  Wm.  Cummings  of  Lower  Colleton.  She  has  been  helpmeet 
indeed  all  the  years  through.  Six  children  were  born  of  the  union : 
Lula,  now  ]\Irs.  D.  W.  :\ioore,  of  Cokesbury ;  Alamie,  now  wife  of 
Dr.  J.  D.  Waters,  of  Saluda  County ;  Willie,  who  married  Miss  lola 
Machern,  and  Greig  are  still  living.     Samuel  John  died  at  the  age 


Twentieth  Cextury  Sketches.  327 

of  fifteen  months,  and  Jestina  Geneva  was  called  above  on  her  six- 
teenth birthday. 

Through  the  influence  of  a  well-trained  good  wife  and  the  ear- 
nest and  faithful  ministry  of  Rev.  A.  R.  Banner  and  Rev.  George 
Pierce,  exhorter  and  evangelist,  yoimg  \'aughan  was  on  May  11, 
1870,  induced  to  offer  himself  for  membership  in  the  ^I.  E.  Church, 
South,  at  Ridgcville,  S.  C.  Eight  days  after  presenting  himself  for 
membership  he  was  soundly  and  powerfully  converted  to  God.  In 
the  summer  of  1871  he  was  licensed  to  exhort  and  in  November  of 
the  same  year  he  got  license  to  preach  and  preached  his  first  sermon 
at  Limestone  Camp  Meeting,  in  Orangeburg  County,  S.  C.  In  1874 
he  was  admitted  on  trial  in  the  South  Carolina  Conference  and  has 
served  the  following  charges,  as  they  are  named  in  order :  Berkeley 
Circuit,  four  years ;  St.  Paul's  Mission,  two  years ;  Cypress  Circuit, 
one  year ;  Round  O,  four  years ;  Batesburg,  two  years ;  Columbia 
City  Mission,  four  years  ;  Kingstree,  one  year ;  Cokesbury,  two  years ; 
Saluda,  two  years  ;  Princeton,  two  years  ;  Belinont,  one  year ;  Clifton 
and  Cowpens,  one  year.  So  he  tells  of  the  work  of  God  in  his  soul 
and  his  work  for  God  wheresoever  appointed.  Everywhere  he  toiled 
faithfully  and  everywhere  God  has  rewarded  his  labors.  This  year, 
1901,  he  is  in  charge  of  Harleyville  Circuit,  in  the  section  where  he 
was  born  and  where  he  is  best  loved.  And  he  is  today  as  full  of 
hope,  of  vigor  and  physical  energy  and  his  bow  abides  in  strength  as 
in  the  years  of  youth. 

Brother  A'aughan  is  a  true  man,  one  you  can  depend  upon,  no 
matter  where  or  how  tested — a  genuine  Christian  of  attractive  expe- 
rience, a  kind,  helpful  neighbor,  a  preacher  endowed  with  common 
sense  and  clear  expression,  whose  messages  have  the  power  of  the 
Spirit,  a  pastor  who  deals  faithfully  with  his  people,  a  minister  who 
looks  after  all  his  duty.  He  is  Methodist  to  the  core  and  yet  is 
brotherlv  to  all  Christians. 


328  Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 

REV.  GEORGE  H.  WADDELL. 

Rev.  George  Henry  Waddell,  son  of  Dr.  G.  H.  \\'addell  and  ]\Irs. 
Elizabeth  Clough  Waddell  (nee  Sims),  was  born  February  8,  1863. 
In  his  boyhood  days  Brother  Waddell  had  access  to  the  common 
schools,  and  after  the  usual  training  in  these  he  attended  Piedmont 
Institute.  From  this  institution  he  went  to  Adger  College,  where 
he  remained  for  some  time,  not  quite  finishing  the  Junior  year. 
Utilizing  the  abilities  and  advantages  obtained  in  these  school  and 
college  days,  our  friend  has  been  obtaining  an  education  ever  since 
by  the  continual  study  of  men  and  books. 

He  was  licensed  to  preach  October  19,  1884.  At  the  session  of  the 
South  Carolina  Conference  held  in  December  of  that  year  he  was  ad- 
mitted on  trial,  with  J.  C.  Yongue,  M.  Dargan,  W.  M.  Duncan  and 
W.  B.  Baker.  His  charges  have  been  as  follows :  Junior  preacher 
on  Newberry  Circuit,  1885;  Parksville  Mission,  1886;  Centenary 
Circuit,  1887-9;  Yorkville  Station,  1890-1 ;  Chester  Station,  1892-4; 
Camden  Station,  1895.  At  the  close  of  his  year  at  Camden,  Brother 
Waddell  was  elected  Superintendent  of  the  Epworth  Orphanage, 
which  position  he  has  since  held. 

Brother  Waddell  has  been  successful  in  every  field  to  which  he 
has  been  appointed,  but  his  greatest  achievement  is  the  Epworth 
Orphanage.  To  him,  more  than  to  any  other  human  being,  South 
Carolina  Methodism  is  indebted  for  this  magnificent  institution.  By 
his  untiring  zeal  and  consecration,  by  his  abounding  faith  and  heroic 
endeavors  he  has  brought  the  enterprise  to  success  and  has  main- 
tained it. 

Brother  Waddell  is  a  strong  preacher — and  I  use  the  term  ad- 
visedly. He  thinks  deeply  and  logically,  and  makes  you  think  when 
you  hear  him.  His  preaching  is  of  the  kind  that  leaves  an  impress 
upon  the  minds  and  hearts  of  his  hearers. 

He  was  married  on  May  27,  1886,  to  Miss  Carrie  Lee  Boulware, 
of  Newberry,  S.  C.  They  have  five  children — Elizabeth  Capers, 
Carrie  Lee,  Ruth,  Dorothv  and  Alice  Straus. 


REV.  W.  L.  WAIT. 

Rev.  Washington  Lafayette  Wait,  son  of  Mr.  John  T.  Wait  and 
Mrs.  Rutha  Wait,  was  born  in  Laurens  Countv,  S.  C,  January  22, 

1851. 

His  education  began  in  the  home,  his  devoted  mother  being  the 
teacher.  It  is  said  that  he  has  no  recollection  of  a  time  when 
he  could  not  read.  He  knew  the  alphabet  when  only  two  years  old. 
From  the  home  training  he  went  to  Cokesbury  Conference  School, 
where  he  spent   several  years.     From  there  he   went  to  Wofford 


TWKXTIETH    CeXTLRV    SKETCHES.  329 

College,  entering  the  sophomore  class  and  graduating-  in  June,  1871. 

Young  Wait  was  converted  at  the  age  of  twelve  years  while  at 
Cokesl)ur\-  and  joined  the  IMethodist  Church.  After  his  graduation 
at  W'offord  he  was  admitted  to  the  Bar  and  practiced  Law  for  about 
thirteen  years.  In  this  he  was  successful,  especially  as  an  office 
lawyer.  IMen  soon  learned  to  trust  his  wisdom  as  a  lawyer  and  his 
judgment  as  a  man. 

lUit  God  had  a  nobler  work  for  our  friend  and  brother.  The 
Divine  call  to  preach  became  clear  and  unmistakable,  so  he  laid  down 
his  lucrative  practice  and  began  to  make  special  arrangements  for 
entering  the  ministry.  He  was  licensed  to  preach  in  October,  1887, 
by  the  Quarterly  Conference  of  the  Buncombe  Street  Church  in  the 
Citv  of  Greenville.  He  was  received  on  trial  into  the  Conference 
in  December.  1887.  R.  L.  Holrovd,  A.  B.  Earle,  W.  E.  Barre,  J. 
W.  Kilgo,  W.  B.  Duncan,  J.  L.  Harley,  R.  A.  Yongue,  S.  T.  Black- 
man,  J.  P.  Attaway  and  J.  E.  INIahaffey  joining  at  the  same  time. 

His  labors  have  been  distributed  as  follows :  Sumter  Circuit, 
1888-1890;  Darlington  Circuit,  1891  ;  Spartanburg  City  Mission, 
1892;  Newberry  Circuit,  1893-4;  Donald's  Circuit,  1895;  Barnwell 
Circuit,  1896-7;  Orangeburg  Circuit,  1898;  Ninety-Six  Circuit, 
1899-1900;  Summerville  Station,  1901. 

In  these  various  fields  success  has  crowned  the  labors  of  our 
brother.  He  is  a  hard  worker.  As  a  preacher  he  is  calm,  clear,  and 
convincing.  As  a  pastor,  he  is  diligent  and  sympathetic.  The  people 
know  to  look  for  him  where  there  is  trouble  in  the  home. 

Brother  Wait  was  married  on  December  18.  1876.  to  ]»»Iiss  Jane 
Wofford.  Rev.  \A'hitefoord  Smith,  D.  D.,  officiating.  This  good 
woman  has  ever  been  a  true  and  helpful  companion  to  our  brother. 
Her  sweet  Christian  influence  has  ever  sanctified  their  home-life 
and  her  heroic  devotion  has  ever  strengthened  him  for  his  arduous 
work. 

Two  children  have  been  born  unto  them — B.  WofTord  and 
Rutha.    Little  Rutha  died  when  onlv  seventeen  months  old. 


330 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


REV.  ARTHUR  C.  WALKER,  A.  B. 

One  would  expect  a  son  of  Rev.  H.  A.  C.  Walker  ("Uncle  Hac") 
to  have  a  record  worthy  of  the  attention  of  the  public,  and  such  is 
the  record  of  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  Rev.  Arthur  Crawford 
Walker.  His  mother's  name  was  Sarah  E.  Walker,  nee  Wightman. 
He  was  born  January  4,  1851. 


Being  the  son  of  a  Methodist  preacher,  Brother  Walker  had  access 
to  good  preparatory  and  intermediate  schools,  such  as  were  found  in 
the  various  charges  served  by  his  honored  father.  When  the  pre- 
paratory work  had  been  done  he  entered  Woftord  College  and,  after 
four  years  of  hard  study,  graduated  with  the  degree  of  A.  B.  This, 
however,  was  only  the  beginning,  as  he  has  kept  up  his  studies  ever 
since.  He  was  converted  during  his  last  year  at  Wofford  College, 
and  immediately  felt  and  heard  the  Divine  call  to  the  ministry.  This 
call  was  clear  and  unmistakable.  He  laid  his  all,  including  his  well- 
trained  mind,  upon  God's  altar,  and  has  ever  been  ready  to  serve, 
anvwhere  and  anv  time,  the  blessed  Lord,  who  did  so  much  for  him. 

in  December,  1875,  J.  W.  Ariail,  W.  S.  Martin,  T.  P.  Phillips  and 
the  subject  of  this  sketch  joined  the  South  Carolina  Conference. 
Brother  W^alker's  labors  have  been  as  follows:  Chester  Circuit,  1876; 
Fairfield  Circuit,  1877;  Bucksville,  1878-9;  Ward's  Circuit,  1880; 
Laurens,  1881-2;  Effingham  Circuit,  1883:  Centenary  Circuit, 
1884-5;  Piedmont  Circuit,  1886;  Greers  Circuit,  1887-90;  Walhalla, 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


331 


1891  ;  Hampton    Circuit,  1892-4;    St.  George,  1895-8;    Batesburg, 
1899-1900;  Bishopville  Station,  1901. 

On  January  4,  1876,  he  was  married  to  Miss  Virginia  L.  Kirkland, 
daughter  of  the  sainted  Rev.  \V.  C.  Kirkland,  who  for  many  years 
was  a  popular  member  of  the  South  Carolina  Conference.  To  them 
nine  children  have  been  born.  Two  of  these — George  Allen  and 
James  H. — died  in  infancy.  The  living  are :  Mary  Louise,  who  is 
an  A.  B.  graduate  of  the  Columbia  Female  College  ;  Hugh  A.  C,  who 
is  an  A.  B.  graduate  of  Woft'ord  College;  A'irginia  K.,  who  is  an  A. 

B.  graduate  of  the  Columbia  Female  College,  and  also  a  graduate  in 
instrumental  music  of  that  institution ;  William  K.,  Sallie  W.,  Arthur 

C.  and  Luc  G. 

Brother  Walker's  sermons  are  thoroughly  prepared  and  forcefully 
delivered.  He  is  a  clear  thinker,  and  is  fortunate  in  being  able  to 
express  his  ideas  in  clear  and  impressive  language.  He  makes  many 
friends  wherever  he  goes,  and  his  work  abides. 


REV.  A.  W.  WALKER. 

The  Rev.  Augustine  Washington  Walker,  now  one  of  "the  old 
guard"  of  the  Conference,  is  the  son  of  INIalcolm  Johnston  and 


Harriet  Bostick  Walker,  and  was  born  at  Lincolniun,  Georgia,  March 
iith,  1828.  He  was  educated  at  the  Clarksville  Academy,  Georgia, 
and  ]\Iacon  High  School,  North  Carolina.     At  the  age  of  eighteen 


332  Twentieth  Cextury  Sketches. 

years  he  read  medicine,  but  did  not  graduate,  though  afterwards  he 
practiced  under  special  Hcense.  He  also  read  law.  In  later  years 
he  taught  school  for  four  years,  in  Anderson  County,  S.  C. 

In  1847,  ^is  married  JNIiss  ]\Iariah  Talulah  Richardson,  a  native  of 
Laurens  County,  then  resident  in  Anderson  County.  She  was  a 
true  helpmeet  till  her  death  on  January  22nd,  1892.  Three  children 
were  born  of  this  union — William  Rush  and  George  Phillips  (twins) 
and  Anna  Baxter — all  of  whom  died  in  infancy.  An  adopted  son — 
Henry  Stanhope  Walker — lives  in  Jacksonville,  Fla. 

Brother  Walker  joined*  the  Church  and  was  converted  in  1852, 
while  teaching  at  Smith's  Chapel,  Anderson  County.  .  Feeling  called 
to  preach,  he  was  licensed  to  exhort  in  1853,  and  to  preach  a  year 
afterwards.  In  1857,  he  was  admitted  into  the  South  Carolina  Con- 
ference. His  appointments  were:  1858.  Pickensville  Circuit;  1859, 
Lenoir;  i860,  Albemarle;  1861,  Ansonville ;  1862,  Lancaster;  1863-4, 
Bishopville ;  1865,  supernumerary;  1866,  Barnwell;  1867,  Black 
Swamp;  1868,  Aiken;  1869,  Aiken  and  Graniteville ;  1870,  Conway- 
boro;  1871,  Georgetown;  1872-3,  Yorkville ;  1874,  Summerville; 
1875,  Columbia  Citv  Mission;  1876,  Walhalla ;  1877-8,  Pickens; 
1879,  North  Edgefield;  1880,  Clinton;  1881-2-3,  Goshen  Hill;  1884- 
5-6-7,  Campobella ;  1888-9,  Greenville  Circuit;  1890,  Westminster; 
1 89 1,  Pickens;  1892-3-4-5-6-7-8-9- 1900,  superannuate.  His  super- 
annuation was  caused  by  increasing  deficiency  of  sight  and  feeble- 
ness in  body.  In  all  his  charges  he  labored  faithfully  and  won  souls 
to  Christ,  and  gained  friends  to  himself  and  his  Lord.  To-night, 
this  is  his  testimony:  "If  the  same  years  were  before  me  that  are 
behind  me,  I'd  gladly  take  the  same  way  of  life  again — as  an  humble 
itinerant  Methodist  preacher.  I  am  still  growing  in  grace  and  in 
the  knowledge  of  my  Lord  and  Savior." 

Brother  Walker  was,  in  his  efifective  days,  a  strong  and  impressive 
preacher.  He  knew  ]\Iethodist  doctrines  and  defended  them  ably. 
Exact  thought  and  accurate  expression  marked  his  utterances,  public 
and  private.  Even  in  age  and  feebleness  his  mind  is  clear  and  his 
messages  have  power.  As  a  pastor,  he  was  friendly  and  helpful  to 
his  people. 

As  a  man,  he  is  brotherly  and  true.  No  man  can  assail  un- 
answered any  friend  of  his.  In  all  things  he  is  independent,  does  his 
own  thinking  and  speaks  his  own  thoughts  in  any  company — a  man 
to  be  relied  upon. 

He  is  now  very  feeble,  and  can  hardly  see  at  all.  In  October  a 
slight  stroke  of  paralysis  increased  his  disability.  But  in  all.  he  is 
cheerful  with  men  and  holds  absolute  confidence  towards  God.  He 
speaks  of  the  end  of  life  without  a  shadow  of  doubt.  He  simply 
leaves  all  to  God — whether  it  be  to  live  or  to  depart  and  be  alive  for- 
evermore. 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches.  ^^^ 


REV.  GEO.  W.  WALKER,  D.  D. 

We  have  no  truer  man  than  the  one  who  forms  the  subject  of  this 
sketch,  Rev.  George  Wilhams  Walker.  He  was  born  February  ii, 
1848,  and  is  the  son  of  the  late  Rev.  H.  A.  C.  Walker,  who  was  for 
manv  vears  one  of  the  most  prominent  and  highly  honored  members 


of  the  South  Carolina  Conference.  The  place  of  his  birth  was 
Augusta,  Ga. 

Having  had  thorough  primary  and  preparatory  training  in  the 
schools  of  the  day,  he  entered  Wofford  College,  Spartanburg,  S.  C, 
and  graduated  from  that  institution  in  June,  1869,  receiving  the  A.  B. 
degree.  In  1874  he  took  his  A.  M.  degree  from  Wofiford.  and  the 
same  institution  honored  him  and  herself  in  1896  by  conferring  upon 
him  the  honorary  title  of  Doctor  Diz'iiiitafis.  Xo  man  ever  more 
modestly  wore  these  titles  than  does  George  Williams  Walker. 
They  do  not  add  anything  to  his  worth,  but  are  fitting  recognitions 
of  his  merit.  They  do  not  adorn  either  his  life  or  labors,  but  are 
evidences  of  the  high  esteem  in  which  he  is  held  by  those  best  quali- 
fied to  judge  of  his  ability. 

After  his  graduation.  Brother  Walker  engaged  in  teaching  for  sev- 
eral years.  He  taught  near  Shelbyville,  Ky..  from  1869  to  1870. 
Then  with  Capt.  J.  B.  Patrick  at  Greenville.  S.  C,  from  1870  to  1873. 

December,  1873,  Brother  Walker,  with  L.  F.  Beaty,  J.  E.  Carlisle, 
William   H.   Kirton.   I.    T-   Xewberrv,   M.   H.   Pooser  and  John  O. 


334  Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 

Willson,  joined  the  South  CaroHna  Conference,  since  which  time  he 
has  served  as  follows:  Junior  preacher  on  Greenwood  Circuit,  1874; 
junior  preacher  on  Chester  Circuit,  1875;  Winnsboro,  1876-April, 
1877,  when  he  was  appointed  to  Bethel,  Charleston,  to  fill  vacancy 
caused  by  the  death  of  Dr.  W.  H.  Fleming;  Darlington,  1878-9; 
transferred  to  Southwest  Missouri  Conference  and  stationed  at  Lex- 
ington, 1 880- 1  ;  transferred  back  to  South  Carolina  and  stationed  at 
Summerville,  1882 ;  Darlington,  1883 ;  professor  at  Paine  Institute, 
Augusta,  Ga.,  1884-5.  I"  1885  Doctor  Walker  was  elected  to  the 
Presidency  of  Paine  Institute,  which  position  he  still  holds,  and  fills 
with  great  acceptability.  His  most  self-sacrificing  and  undying 
labors  have  been  rendered  at  Paine  Institute.  The  opposition  of 
many  and  the  coolness  and  indifference  of  others  manifested  toward 
Doctor  Walker  when  he  first  accepted  this  position  made  necessary 
the  hero's  courage  and  the  martyr's  consecration.  These  our  good 
brother  had,  so  he  held  his  place.  The  brighter  day  has  dawned, 
and  we  are  beginning  to  realize  that  there  is  no  consistency  in 
"canonizing  the  man  who  goes  to  Africa  to  preach  the  Gospel  to  the 
natives  and  ostracising  the  one  who  stays  at  home  to  preach  and 
teach  for  the  same  people  here."  The  Church  is  slowly  but  surely 
coming  to  the  aid  of  this  great  work,  and  there  are  being  sent  from 
this  school  well  trained  Negro  teachers  and  preachers,  who  will  do 
much  toward  solving  the  diflficult  race  problem.  The  old  barn  in 
which  the  school  was  started,  and  which  has  been  repaired  from 
time  to  time,  has  given  place  to  the  magnificent  "Haygood  Alemorial 
Building."  When  the  future  historian  comes  to  record  the  names 
of  those  who  have  helped  to  solve  one  of  the  most  difficult  problems 
of  the  ages,  surely  the  name  of  George  Williams  Walker  will  hold  an 
honored  place. 


Twentieth  Cexturv  Sketches. 


335 


REV.  T.  E.  WANNAMAKER. 

Rev.  T.  E.  W'annamaker  was  born  in  Orangeburg-  County,  Oct. 
13th,  1827.  Until  his  seventeenth  year  he  attended  school  in  the 
city  of  Orangeburg  and  was  fortunate  to  have  as  his  teacher  for  two 
years  that  distinguished  scholar,  George  Frederick  Holmes,  after- 


ward for  many  years  professor  in  the  University  of  Virginia.  After 
leaving  Mr.  Holmes,  he  spent  one  year  at  the  Cokesbury  Conference 
School,  of  which  the  late  Prof.  Matthew  J.  \\'illiams  was  Rector. 
He  entered  the  South  Carolina  College  October,  1846,  and  graduated 
with  distinction  December,  1849.  Immediately  after  graduation,  at 
the  suggestion  of  the  late  Bishop  W'ightman,  who  was  then  Chair- 
man of  the  Board  of  Trustees  of  the  Cokesbury  Conference  School, 
he  was  elected  to  and  accepted  the  professorship  of  Latin  and  Greek 
in  that  institution.  He  was  afterwards  principal  of  Laurensville 
High  School,  and  later  professor  in  Masonic  Female  College,  at 
Cokesbury,  Abbeville  County.  In  1858  he  applied  for  admittance 
into  the  South  Carolina  Conference,  but  being  at  that  Conference 
elected  to  a  professorship  of  the  Columbia  Female  College,  at  the 
suggestion  of  friends  he  withdrew  his  application  and  accepted 
that  position.  After  the  closing  of  this  institution  in  1865.  Mr. 
Wannamaker  taught  a  private  school  in  his  native  county  till  his 
admittance  into  the  South  Carolina  Conference,  in  1868. 


336  Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 

Mr.  Wannamaker  was  licensed  to  preach  in  1854,  and  was  a  local 
preacher,  having  appointments  for  almost  every  Sabbath  until  he 
became  a  regular  itinerant. 

Mr.  Wannamaker  was  married  Sept.  2nd,  1850,  to  Miss  Sarah  Ann 
Bo^•d,  eldest  daughter  of  the  late  Rev.  Dr.  R.  J.  Boyd,  of  the  South 
Carolina  Conference.  Eleven  children  were  the  fruit  of  this  union, 
of  whom  eight  survive.  The  surviving  sons  are  Dr.  Theodore  E. 
Wannamaker,  of  Cheraw,  S.  C,  Mr.  Thomas  Heber  and  Dr.  Edward 
J.  Wannamaker,  of  Columbia,  and  Capt.  William  W.  Wannamaker, 
of  Orangeburg,  S.  C.  The  surviving  daughters  are  Mrs.  Sarah 
Boyd  Keller,  Mrs.  Rosa  G.  Hudgins  and  Airs.  Mary  E.  Bates.  The 
charges  served  in  the  Conference  are  as  follows :  Upper  St.  Matthews 
Circuit,  Bethel  Church,  Charleston ;  Allendale  Circuit,  Charleston 
District,  Bamberg  Circuit,  Upper  St.  Matthews  Circuit,  Bennetts- 
ville  Station,  Chester  Station,  Sumter  Station,  Santee  Circuit.  For 
several  vears  Air.  Wannamaker  was  a  supernumerary.  In  1899,  feel- 
ing that  the  disabilities  of  age  would  bar  his  ever  taking  active  work 
again,  he  asked  for  and  was  granted  a  superannuated  relation. 

During  his  active  ministry,  Mr.  Wannamaker  was  one  of  our  most 
acceptable  and  successful  pastors.  He  was  a  diligent  student.  His 
sermons  were  thoroughly  prepared  and  well  delivered.  Some  of  his 
most  intelligent  hearers  expressed  the  hope  of  having  his  sermons 
printed.  Such  a  volume  would  be  highly  prized.  His  active  labors 
are  over,  but  his  long  life  of  usefulness  will  continue  to  bear  fruit 
when  he  shall  have  passed  over  the  river. 

His  home  is  now  in  his  native  city  of  Orangeburg,  where,  though 
the  friends  of  his  early  days  have  all  "passed  over  the  river,"  yet 
amidst  the  scenes  of  his  youth  and  among  numerous  relatives  and 
later  friends,  he  hopes  to  spend,  as  happily  as  may  be,  the  evening  of 
his  days. 


TWKXTIETII    CiiXTL'KV    SKETCHES. 


337 


REV.  ARTEMAS  BRIGGS  WATSON. 

The  Rev.  Artemas  Brigj^^s  Watson,  son  of  James  D.  and  Myra  L. 
Watson,  was  l)orn  December  i6tli,  1846,  in  Edgefield  County,  four 
miles  north  of  Ridge  Springs.  He  attended  the  Military  school  con- 
ducted at  Anderson  Court  House  by  Capt.  Thomas  Hall.     From 


there  he  wcni  to  Colonel  Tew's  Military  school  at  Hillsboro,  X.  C. 
While  there  he  joined  the  company  of  cadets  that  offered  its  services 
to  Gen  Beauregard  who  declined  to  receive  the  young  patriots  ad- 
vising them  to  return  to  school  as  they  were  too  voung  for  active 
service.  About  that  time  he  was  appointed  to  tUe  South  Carolina 
^Military  Academy  and  was  there  wlien  the  Confederate  war  ended 
and  the  institution  was  closed. 

He  joined  the  church  and  was  converted  under  the  ministrv  of 
Rev.  Abram  Nettles  at  Old  Providence  on  Cloud's  Creek,  Edgefield 
County,  August  22nd,  1870.  He  was  a  working  and  earnest  Chris- 
tian from  the  first  and  served  as  superintendent  of  a  Sunday  School 
for  seventeen  years.  He  was  also  a  most  eft'cctive  exhorter  for  a 
number  of  years.  Called  to  preach,  he  was  licensed  and  rendered 
faithful  service  as  a  local  preacher.  On  November  20th,  1889,  he 
joined  the  South  Carolina  Conference  and  was  sent  to  Edgefield 
Court  House  where  he  remained  four  years.  During  this  pastorate 
be  built  the  beautiful  brick  church  which  is  such  an  ornament  to  that 
town.     His  next  appointment  was  Greenwood  where  he  served  two 


338  Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 

years  and  the  three  years  following  he  was  on  the  Santee  Circuit. 
Here  he  completed  the  Packsville  church  and  built  Pinewood  church, 
a  beautiful  building  and  a  monument  to  the  liberality  of  the  small 
congregation  there.  In  1898  he  served  Pendleton  Circuit  and  Clem- 
son  College.  His  appointment  the  present  year  (1900)  is  jNIullins 
Circuit.  In  all  of  his  charges  the  fruits  of  his  ministry  appear  both 
in  the  spiritual  and  material  matters. 

On  Jan.  6th,  1866,  he  married  Catherine  Amanda  Bates,  daughter 
of  Capt.  Thomas  Bates  ;  after  her  death  he  married  Angelina  Rachael 
Wannamaker,  daughter  of  Dr.  W.W.  W^annamaker  of  St.  Matthews, 
S.  C.  After  her  death  he  married  Amelia  Bonneau  Wightman, 
daughter  of  Rev.  Jas.  W.  Wightman,  on  Aug.  25th,  1885.  Of  his  first 
marriage  there  was  but  one  child,  Andrew.  Of  the  second,  there  were 
seven,  Keitt,  Whitfield  \\'illiam,  Artemas  Briggs,  Frank,  Henry 
Shorter,  Adele  and  :\Iyra  Watson.  Of  his  third  union  there  are  three, 
Wightman,  George  and  Daisy.  He  has  lost  but  one  child,  an  infant 
bv  his  second  wife,  Bates  Watson. 

Brother  Watson  is  an  excellent  preacher,  his  sermons  are  well 
prepared,  his  thought  fresh  and  striking,  his  language  pure  and 
vigorous,  his  delivery  direct  and  earnest.  All  sorts  and  conditions 
of  people,  lettered  and  unlettered,  are  necessarily  impressed  by  the 
Word  as  he  speaks  it.  Besides,  he  preaches  with  an  unction  from  the 
Holy  One.  As  a  pastor  he  is  faithful,  and  as  his  earlier  years  were 
spent  in  secular  life,  his  counsel  is  not  only  valuable  in  spiritual 
things  but  with  reference  to  the  ordinary  affairs  of  life  as  well. 
Manly  and  frank  he  draws  men  to  him  and  leads  them  by  his  friendly 
sympathy  to  the  Friend  of  Friends. 


TWEXTIETH   CeXTURV   SKETCHES. 


339 


REV.  E.  0.  WATSON. 

Rev.  Emory  Olin  Watson  was  born  August  5th,  1865,  at  the  Richie 
homestead,  in  Newberry  County,  and  has  been  in  the  itinerant  ranks 
from  that  date — his  father.  Rev.  J.  E.  Watson,  being  at  that  time 
and  for  manv  vears  thereafter,  a  member  of  the  South  Carohna  Con- 


ference. His  mother  was  Miss  N.  Lavinia  Richie.  His  name  indi- 
cates Methodist  ancestry.  His  parsonage-home  insured  Methodist 
training.  The  resuU  is  a  hfe  which  honors  both  his  ancestry  and  his 
training.  His  education  w'as  ahnost  exclusively  directed  by  his 
father,  w^ho  was  a  most  skillful  teacher. 

He  began  life  as  a  teacher  and  was  associated  with  his  father  in 
that  work  at  Leesville,  S.  C,  for  several  years  previous  to  his  ad- 
mission to  the  Conference.  He  joined  the  church  in  Rock  Hill  in 
1873.  Fighting  the  conviction  that  it  was  his  duty  to  preach  the 
Gospel  caused  a  serious  divergence  from  the  path  of  righteousness. 
Having  taken  the  course  at  Bryant  &  Stratton's  Business  College,  he 
opened  a  similar  department  in  the  Leesville  English  and  Classical 
Institute.  Immediate  success,  with  flattering  prospects  of  still 
greater  success,  only  strengthened  the  bonds  which  bound  him  to  the 
world  and  caused  the  work  of  the  pastorate  to  appear  less  attractive 
and  more  burdensome.  But  his  parents  believed  God  and  did  not 
cease  to  pray  for  their  well-beloved  son.  Xor  was  their  trust  shaken 
by  his  wandering  from  the  path  of  duty. 


340  Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 

In  September,  1885,  Rev.  J.  Walter  Dickson,  pastor  of  Saluda  Cir- 
cuit, assisted  Rev.  Jno.  S.  Mattison,  pastor  of  Leesville  Circuit,  in  a 
series  of  special  services  at  Leesville.  During  that  meeting  a  shaft 
from  the  quiver  of  truth  found  its  way  to  the  heart  of  Olin  Watson 
and  he  who  went  to  the  service  simply  from  respect  remained  as  an 
humble  penitent  seeking  the  forgiveness  of  his  sins.  He  left  the 
church  unsatisfied.  Afterward,  he  retired  to  a  grove,  some  distance 
from  any  dwelling,  with  the  determination  to  stay  there  until  he 
found  the  "pearl  of  great  price."  Such  determination  soon  brought 
the  treasure  which  he  was  so  earnestly  seeking,  and  on  the  15th  of 
September  he  made  a  public  profession  of  his  faith.  On  the  loth  of 
October  he  received  license  to  preach.  Dr.  A.  Coke  Smith  being  his 
presiding  elder.  On  the  next  day  he  preached  his  first  sermon  at 
Concord,  where  he  received  his  license,  and  on  the  loth  of  December 
he  was  admitted  into  the  South  Carolina  Conference,  which  met  at 
Columbia. 

On  November  loth,  1886,  he  was  married  to  Miss  Mattie  West,  of 
Leesville,  S.  C.  Eight  children  have  blessed  this  union :  Annie,  John 
Emory,  Mattie  Lena,  Vinnie  Wait,  Olin,  Pierce,  Elliott,  Bessie 
Lucile. 

He  has  served  the  following  charges:  Bennetts ville  Circuit,  jun- 
ior preacher,  1886;  Wedgefield,  1887-88;  Lynchburg,  1889-90;  Rock 
Hill,  1891-92;  Bennettsville,  1893-5;  Orangeburg,  1896-99  (a  new 
church  was  erected  during  his  pastorate  here)  ;  Bethel,  Charleston, 
1900-01. 

He  served  as  assistant  secretary  of  the  South  Carolina  Con- 
ference from  1889  to  1892.  At  the  Conference  held  in  Sumter,  De- 
cember 6th,  1893,  he  was  elected  to  the  position  of  secretary  in  which 
office  his  work  will  compare  favorably  with  that  of  any  of  his  dis- 
tinguished predecessors. 

He  served  the  L  O.  G.  T.  as  Grand  Chief  Templar,  1892-94. 

In  1899  he  was  elected  president  of  the  South  Carolina  Conference 
Epworth  League,  which  office  he  now  holds. 

His  pulpit  ministrations  evidence  diligent  study  and  careful 
preparation  combined  with  an  ardent  faith  in  the  Gospel's  saving, 
up-lifting  power. 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


341 


REV.  GEORGE  PIERCE  WATSON. 

George  Pierce  \\'atson,  second  son  of  Alpheus  T.  Watson  and 
Hannah  F.  Watson,  nee  Herbert,  was  born  at  Cokesbury,  S.  C,  July 
14,  1861.  When  he  was  but  four  years  old  both  his  parents  died 
leaving  him  to  the  care  of  his  paternal  grandmother,  Mrs.  Permelia 


Wrieht  Watson.  She  was  a  woman  of  remarkable  character  and 
power  and  reared  the  boy  under  strictest  discipline  and  after  the 
straitest  principles  of  old-fashioned  ^Methodism,  often  to  the  displeas- 
ure of  the  boy  but  to  the  lasting  gratitude  of  the  man,  who  will  never 
cease  to  render  grateful  homage  to  the  memory  of  the  saintly  and 
sainted  woman  who  moulded  his  life  for  the  glory  of  God. 

His  lot  from  childhood  was  not  easy.  He  had  no  time  under  the 
strict  discipline  of  his  boyhood  for  idling  in  life's  rose  gardens,  but 
early  learned  that  life  is  real  and  earnest,  and  developed  heroic  traits 
that  have  been  the  stay  and  stimulus  of  his  life  to  this  day. 

His  educational  training  was  received  first  at  Cokesbury  under 
such  teachers  as  Geo.  H.  Round  and  Joseph  P.  Pritchard.  He  made 
a  remarkable  record  for  scholarship  and  continued  his  studies  under 
Prof.  Pritchard  beyond  the  regular  course  of  the  school.  Coming 
to  his  young  manhood  he  throttled  a  conviction  he  had  that  he  should 
preach  the  Gospel  and  began  the  study  of  medicine.  Without  means 
or  wealthy  friends  it  was  a  dreary  prospect  of  work  and  study  to  fit 


34^  Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 

himself  for  the  practice  of  his  chosen  profession,  yet  he  appHed  him- 
self heroically  to  it.  His  action  in  deciding  against  his  conviction  of 
duty  for  the  practice  of  medicine  resulted  in  his  wandering  far  from 
God,  but  in  the  summer  of  1881,  while  engaged  upon  the  farm  of 
his  uncle,  W.  I.  Herbert,  Esq.,  in  Newberry  County,  he  attended  a 
camp-meeting  near  by  and  was  there  graciously  reclaimed  and  sur- 
rendered to  his  conviction  of  duty.  Shortly  afterward,  however, 
Satan  tempted  him  to  believe  that  his  conviction  of  a  call  to  the  min- 
istry was  merely  a  test  and  that  it  was  not  necessary  for  him  to  com- 
ply. He  for  a  while  accepted  the  suggestion,  but  the  Spirit  of  God 
would  not  let  him  rest.  He  soon  realized  the  imperative  nature  of 
the  call  of  God  to  which  he  fully  yielded,  nevermore  to  question  or 
look  back. 

Having  fully  determined  to  obey  the  call  of  God,  he  accepted  the 
invitation  extended  him  to  study  in  the  home  and  under  the  direction 
of  his  uncle.  Rev.  J.  Emory  \\'atson,  then  at  Lewiedale,  S.  C,  and 
for  two  years  he  pursued  his  studies  under  the  direction  of  this 
master  teacher,  first  at  Lewiedale  and  later  at  the  Leesville  English 
and  Classical  Institute,  of  which  his  uncle  had  charge.  In  this  way 
he  covered  in  a  thorough  and  practical  way  most  of  the  requirements 
of  a  full  college  course. 

He  was  admitted  on  trial  into  the  South  Carolina  Conference  at 
Sumter,  S.  C,  December,  1883,  and  was  appointed  to  the  Leesville 
charge,  which  he  served  for  one  year.  Here  he  met  Miss  Carrie  L. 
Spann,  to  whom  he  was  married,  February  26,  1885.  One  child, 
Carrie  Louise,  has  blessed  their  union  and  is  the  light  of  their  home 
and  the  hope  of  their  hearts.  The  pastoral  charges  served  during  his 
connection  with  the  Conference  are:  Leesville,  1884;  Winnsboro  Cir- 
cuit. 1885-88;  Orangeburg  Station,  1889-92;  Anderson  Station, 
1893-96;  Summerville  Station,  1897-1900.  At  the  last  Conference 
session  he  was  appointed  to  St.  George  Station. 

G.  P.  Watson  is  a  man  of  rare  talents.  Naturally  endowed  with 
a  fine  order  of  mind,  training  and  study  have  made  him  strong  in 
thought.  Possessed  of  unusual  elocutionary  talent,  made  second  na- 
ture bv  cultivation,  he  delivers  his  thought  attractively,  forcefully 
and  eloquently.  Genial  in  nature,  sunshiny  in  soul,  sympathetic  in 
heart — a  man  of  tact  and  judgment — he  is  a  beloved  pastor  and  suc- 
cessful preacher  in  every  line  of  true  success.  He  is  preeminently 
a  four  years'  man  and  leaves  every  charge  he  serves  with  the  people 
heartily  loving  him  and  wishing  that  the  law  of  the  Church  would 
alloAv  him  to  continue  alwavs  with  them. 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches.  343 


REV.  J.  F.  WAY. 

Rev.  Julius  Frauklin  Way,  son  of  Mr.  Pinckney  C.  Way,  and  Mrs. 
Catherine  A.  Way,  was  born  June  3,  1868. 

After  the  customary  training  in  the  primary  studies,  he  attended 
Holly  Hill  Academy,  Holly  Hill,  S.  C,  where  he  was  prepared  for 
college.  He  intended  entering  Wofiford  College,  but  was  providen- 
tiallv  hindered.  Disappointed  in  this,  he  attended  Moore's  Business 
University,  graduating  therefrom  June,  1887.  He  then  went  into 
the  mercantile  business  in  the  employment  of  his  father. 

While  engaged  in  business  with  his  father  at  Holly  Hill,  S.  C, 
ho  realized  the  divine  call  to  the  ministry.  He  was  licensed  to 
preach  by  the  First  Quarterly  Conference  of  the  Providence  Circuit 
for  1891",  Rev.  J.  \Valter  Dickson  being  the  Presiding  Elder  and 
Rev.  D.  D.  Dantzler  the  pastor. 

Brother  \\'ay,  with  John  G.  Beckwith,  Chesley  C.  Herbert,  George 
C.  Leonard,  Benjamin  M.  Robertson  and  Henry  Stokes,  joined  the 
South  Carolina  Conference  at  Rock  Hill,  S.  C.,  December,  1895. 
Since  joining,  his  labors  have  been  distributed  as  follows  :  Conway 
Circuit,  1896;  Bucksville  Circuit,  1897-8;  :\IcClellanville  Circuit, 
1899-1900;  Phcenix  Circuit,  1901. 

Our  brother  has  been  successful  in  tlicse  charges — in  some  quite 
so.  The  :\lcClellanville  Circuit  made  splendid  progress  under  his 
administration.  He  is  an  exceedingly  modest  man,  and  quietly  goes 
about  doing  his  work.  His  preaching  is  effective  in  the  conviction 
of  sinners  and  the  strengthening  of  believers.  He  zealously  looks 
after  the  various  interests  of  the  Church.  His  people  soon  learn 
that  they  have  in  him  a  sympathetic  pastor. 

On  June  25,  1890,  Brother  Way  was  married  by  Rev.  J.  IMarion 
Bovd  to  :\Iiss  Browning,  daughter  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  T.  S.  Browning, 
of  Glendale,  S.  C.  This  union  has  been  blessed  with  the  following 
children :  Stephen  IMarion,  Rupert  Pinckney  and  Beulah  Browning. 


344 


TWEXTIETH    CeXTURV   SKETCHES. 


REV.  SAMUEL  ADAM  WEBER,  D.  D. 

Rev.  Samuel  Adam  Weber,  D.  D.,  son  of  John  and  Anne  Lander 
Weber,  was  born  in  Iredell  County,  North  Carolina,  on  the  19th 
day  of  January,  1838.  He  was  converted  in  early  life,  joining  the 
Methodist  Church  at  Shelby,  North  Carolina,  under  the  ministry  of 
Rev.  Jacob  L.  Shuford. 


While  the  subject  of  this  sketch  was  quite  a  boy  his  parents  be- 
came very  much  interested  in  his  education.  This  deep  solicitude 
on  their  part  soon  led  to  placing  the  boy  where  he  might,  at  least, 
obtain  a  practical  education.  The  boy  soon  developed  a  deep  longing 
for  a  larger  and  better  equipment  for  life's  great  duties.  He  gradu- 
ated from  Wofford  College  in  the  year  1859,  receiving  the  degree 
of  A.  B.,  and  received  the  A.  ]\I.  degree  in  the  year  1862. 

In  the  year  1859,  the  year  of  his  graduation,  he  was  licensed  to 
preach,  the  Rev.  H.  A.  C.  A\'alker  being  his  Presiding  Elder. 

On  November  30,  1861.  he  married  Miss  Sarah  Alston  Langdon. 
To  them  were  born  three  children — two  boys  and  a  girl.  The  first, 
Rev.  John  L.  \\'eber.  is  now  a  prominent  member  of  the  Holston 
Conference,  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  South.  The  next.  Prof. 
W.  M.  Weber,  is  a  popular  member  of  the  Faculty  of  Emory  College, 
Oxford,  Ga.  The  daughter.  Lilian  Alston,  is  the  wife  of  Air.  Leland 
Moore,  a  successful  business  man  in  the  city  of  Charleston.  Mrs. 
Weber  died  on  Alarch  29th,  1897. 


TWEXTIETH   CeXTURV   SKETCHES.  345 


In  1862  he  applied  for  admission  on  trial  into  the  South  Carolina 
Annual  Conference,  and  was  accepted,  Bishop  John  Early,  D.  D., 
being  President.  After  the  two  years  of  trial,  he  was  ordained 
Deacon  by  Bishop  George  Foster  Pierce,  D.  D..  and  was  admitted 
into  full  membership.  At  the  end  of  his  fourth  year  he  was  ordained 
Elder  by  Bishop  W.  M.  W'ightman,  D.  D.  His  first  year  was  spent 
as  junior  preacher  at  Union,  S.  C.  For  the  next  two  years  (1863-4) 
he  was  stationed  at  Pacolet,  S.  C,  after  which  he  was  professor  in 
Davenport  Female  College,  Lenoir,  X.  C.  Returning  tc  the  pastor- 
ate, he  served  such  important  charges  as  Anderson,  Greenville, 
Bishopville,  Union,  and  Williamston — all  in  South  Carolina.  While 
stationed  at  Williamston  he  was  also  professor  in  the  Williamston 
Female  College.  \\'hile  stationed  at  Orangeburg  he  was  appointed, 
in  August,  1878,  assistant  editor  of  The  Southern  Christian  Advo- 
cate. In  the  fall  of  this  year  he  was  elected  editor  of  the  above 
mentioned  paper,  in  which  capacity  he  served  faithfully  and  ac- 
ceptablv  for  a  term  of  four  years.  He  then  served  as  pastor  at 
Abbeville,  Union,  Aiken,  W^innsboro,  Yorkville,  and  Lancaster.  It 
was  during  his  pastorate  at  Yorkville  (1892)  that  Emory  College, 
Oxford,  Ga.,  conferred  upon  him  the  honorary  degree  of  Doctor 
Divinitatis.  In  the  fall  of  1897  he  was  again  appointed  assistant 
editor  of  The  Southern  Christian  Advocate. 

The  Doctor  has  been  held  in  high  esteem  by  his  brethren  and  has 
been  repeatedly  honored  by  them  by  election  to  places  of  trust  and 
usefulness.  He  was  sent  as  delegate  from  South  Carolina  to  the 
General  Conferences  of  1886,  1894  and  1898.  He  was  also  a  mem- 
ber of  the  famous  Centenary  (Christmas)  Conference  held  in  Bal- 
timore in  December,  1884.  He  is  now,  and  has  been  for  many  years. 
a  trustee  of  Wofford  College,  his  ahna  mater. 

The  Doctor  is  a  man  of  deep  spirituality,  leaving  the  impress  of  a 
Christly  character  upon  all  with  whom  he  comes  in  contact.  Those 
who  know  him  intimately  feel  that  it  is  indeed  a  benediction  to  come 
within  the  range  of  his  influence.  He  is  pleasant  and,  at  times, 
jovial,  yet  ever  remembering  that  he  is  a  representative  of  his  Lord 
and  jMaster  and  governing  his  deportment  accordingly. 

As  a  preacher  he  is  scriptural  and  logical,  ever  presenting  from  a 
clear  interpretation  of  the  Word  and  from  a  rich  experience  of  grace, 
the  most  precious  truths  of  the  Gospel.  He  delights  to  preach  on  the 
sweetness  of  the  Gospel  of  that  Christ  who  is  so  dear  to  his  own  soul. 

On  December  27,  1899.  Doctor  Weber  was  happily  married  to 
Mrs.  Camilla  Jeffervs.  widow  of  the  late  Thomas  S.  Jeft'erys,  of 
Yorkville,  S.  C. 


346  Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 

REV.  P.  B.  WELLS. 

The  Rev.  Preston  Bookter  Wells,  son  of  the  late  Dr.  and  Mrs.  R. 
N.  Wells,  is  a  son  of  the  itinerancy  and  one  of  the  most  gifted.  He 
was  born  at  Laurens,  S.  C,  May  21st,  1872,  and  joined  the  church 
in  early  life. 

The  preparatory  schools  he  attended  were  decided  by  the  pas- 
torates served  by  his  father.  He  graduated  at  Wofford  College  in 
June,  1894,  and  took  the  A.  'M.,  degree  in  1895.  During  his  college 
course  he  not  only  attended  to  his  own  studies,  but  helped  a  blind 
classmate,  by  reading  to  him  the  books  of  the  course  the  two  were 
taking. 

Shortlv  after  his  graduation  he  was  profoundly  concerned  with 
reference  to  a  call  to  preach  and  finally  felt  it  his  duty  so  to  do.  He 
was  licensed  and  entered  Conference  in  November,  1894.  His  lament- 
ed father  was  in  failing  health  and  our  young  brother  was  made  his 
junior  on  the  Buncombe  Street  Station  at  Greenville.  Dr.  Wells 
died  in  less  than  a  week  after  reaching  his  new  charge  and  the  entire 
responsibility  of  the  work  fell  upon  his  son.  The  writer  was  a  mem- 
ber of  his  congregation  and  it  is  praise  enough  to  say  that  in  the  pul- 
pit and  in  the  pastorate  the  young  preacher  measured  up  to  all  the 
demands  upon  him.  His  other  appointments  have  been  as  follows: 
Blenheim,  1896-98;  Planning  Station,  1899  to  1900. 

On  October  2nd,  1895,  he  married  ]\liss  Chick  \\'allace,  daughter 
of  Dr.  and  [Mrs.  Andrew  Wallace  of  Greenville.  A  precious  little 
daughter  brightened  his  home  and  then  was  transplanted  to  that 
above,  still  abiding  also  in  his  heart. 

Brother  Wells  is  a  man  of  pleasant,  friendly  spirit,  a  successful 
and  gifted  preacher,  a  sincere  Christian  and  earnest  pastor.  Wher- 
ever he  goes  he  wins  all  hearts  and  work  prospers  in  all  respects. 
The  mantle  of  his  father  rests  upon  him  and  the  blessing  of  God  at- 
tends him. 

Without  neglecting  in  any  way  the  duties  of  his  pastorate  and  the 
studies  incident  thereto,  he  has  made  a  venture  into  authorship  and 
has  issued  a  book  called  "Bernice  and  the  Christ."  Without  the  op- 
portunity of  seeing  the  volume,  it  is  safe  to  say  that  if  it  be  not  good 
reading  it  is  unlike  all  other  work  of  the  author. 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


347 


REV.  W.  B.  WHARTON. 

Whitfield  Brooks  W barton  was  Iwrn  near  Waterloo,  in  Laurens 
County  S.  C,  on  the  nth  of  October,  1858.  He  is  the  fourth  child 
and  second  son  of  John  and  Jane  A.  Wharton.  His  father  died 
durincr  the  Civil  War,  while  the  subject  of  this  sketch  was  a  small 


boy ;  his  mother  still  lives  at  the  old  homestead  where  he  was  born 
and  reared.  To  her  influence  and  early  training,  more  than  to  any 
other  human  agency,  he  attributes  his  salvation.  He  attended  the 
common  schools  of  his  community,  and  in  1876  was  a  student  in  the 
high  school  at  'Mt.  Gallagher,  Laurens  County. 

In  the  latter  part  of  the  year  1875,  during  a  revival  meeting  con- 
ducted by  Rev.  W.  H.  Ariail.  of  the  South  Carolina  Conference, 
then  a  junior  preacher  on  the  old  Laurens  Circuit,  he  was  genuinely 
converted  to  God,  and  felt  immediately  thereafter  a  call  to  the  min- 
istry. He  did  not  treat  this  call  lightly,  but.  after  serious  reflection, 
he  "shrank  from  the  responsibility,  and  tinally  determined  that  he 
would  not  attempt  to  preach.  But  he  could  never  throw  off  the  con- 
viction of  the  Divine  call. 

On  the  first  of  November.  1877,  he  was  married  to  Miss  :\Iattie  J. 
Puckett,  who  grew  up  in  the  same  community  where  he  \vas  reared. 
Three  of  the  children  born  of  this  union  are  living — ^Marvin  fal- 
mage,  Jennie  Louise  and  Whitfield  Carlisle.  After  his  marriage  he 
ens-aeed  in  farming  and  merchandising,  which  business  pursuits  he 


348 


Twentieth   Century   Sketches. 


followed  until  the  latter  part  of  the  year  1888,  when  he  sold  his  mer- 
cantile interests,  and,  in  February,  1889,  entered  Wofford  College  to 
prepare  for  the  ministry,  graduating  with  the  class  of  1892. 

While  at  Wofford  he  was  known  to  the  student  body  as  "Uncle 
Whit,"  by  which  title  he  is  called  by  a  number  of  the  boys  until 
today. 

He  joined  the  South  Carolina  Conference  of  the  Methodist  Epis- 
copal Church,  South,  at  Charleston,  in  November,  1892,  and  was 
appointed  by  Bishop  E.  R.  Hendrix  to  the  Greenwood  Circuit  (now 
Verdery  Circuit),  which  charge  he  served  for  four  years.  At  the 
end  of  the  term  on  this  circuit  he  was  appointed  by  Bishop  J.  C. 
Granbery  to  the  Donalds  Circuit,  where  he  is  now  serving  his  fourth 
year. 

Mr.  Wharton's  record  shows  that  he  has  lasting  qualities,  having 
remained  four  years  on  each  charge  served  to  date.  He  belongs 
to  that  large  and  growing  number  of  young  men  in  the  Conference 
who  give  promise  of  a  long,  useful  and  successful  ministry. 


REV.  G.  R.  WHITAKER. 

In  the  suburbs  of  the  City  of  Anderson,  S.  C,  on  August  14,  1856, 
the  subject  of  this  sketch.  Rev.  George  Robert  Whitaker,  was  born. 


He  is  the  son  of  Mr.  David  S.  and  Clarisa  Whitaker. 
maiden  name  was  Pruitt. 


His  mother's 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches.  349 

During  his  school  days,  Brother  Whitaker  had  good  educational 
advantages,  taking  the  usual  preparatory  steps  in  the  schools  of  An- 
derson and  Laurens  Comities.  He  then  spent  about  a  year  and  a  half 
at  the  Cokesbury  Conference  school  and  about  the  same  amount  of 
time  at  Wofford  College. 

He  felt  in  childhood  that  the  Lord  wanted  him  to  preach  the  Gos- 
pel and  this  conviction  grew  deeper  and  deeper  until,  at  the  age  of 
twenty-five  years,  he  surrendered  himself  to  the  service  of  his  blessed 
Master.  When  about  eleven  years  old,  he  joined  the  church  and  was 
converted  about  a  year  later. 

Brother  Whitaker  joined  the  South  Carolina  Conference  Decem- 
ber, 1883,  with  James  E.  Grier,  B.  M.  Grier,  S.  J.  Bethea,  D.  P. 
Boyd,  G.  P.  Watson  and  W.  W\  Daniel. 

The  following  list  of  places  and  dates  will  show  where  and  when 
he  labored :  Junior  preacher  on  Newberry  Circuit  with  Rev.  Man- 
ning Brown,  1884;  Johnsonville  Circuit,  with  Rev.  Landy  W'ood  as 
senior  preacher,  1885;  Bloomingvale,  1886;  Hardeeville  Circuit, 
1887-8;  Berkeley  Circuit,  1889-90;  Clyde  Circuit,  1891-2;  Wacca- 
maw  Circuit,  1893-5;  Centenary  Circuit,  1896-9;  Xew  Zion  Circuit, 
1 900- 1. 

Brother  Wliitaker  was  married  near  Grahamville,  S.  C,  December 
6,  1888,  to  Miss  Julia  Imogene  Hallford.  P'ive  children  have  been 
born  to  them:  Clarissa,  born  September  5,  1889;  Julia,  born 
December  24,  1890,  and  died  May  2y,  1892;  Inez,  born  February  3, 
1892;  Travis,  born  July  6,  1897;  Lorenzo,  born  January  24,  1899. 

Our  good  brother  has  not  sounded  a  trumpet  as  he  went  forth, 
but  in  his  own  quiet  and  modest  way  he  has  gone  on  faithfully  per- 
forming the  duties  devolving  upon  him.  Some  day  the  Master  will 
say  to  him,  "\Vell  done,  good  and  faithful  servant."  During  his 
ministerial  career  he  has  led  many  souls  to  Christ  and  has  made  many 
warm  friends  who  are  expecting  even  greater  successes  from  him 
vet. 


350 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


REV.  JOHN  ANDREW  WHITE. 

John  Andrew  White  was  born  in  Anderson  County,  S.  C,  Nov. 
27,  1865.  He  was  the  eldest  child  of  A.  Frank  and  Harriet  J.  White. 
He  was  blessed  in  having  Christian  parents,  who  endeavored  to 
train  their  children  up  ''in  the  nurture  and  admonition  of  the  Lord." 


The  subject  of  this  sketch  attributes  his  conversion  to  the  prayers  of 
his  mother,  who  realized  that  she  must  shortly  go  hence,  and  asked 
God  that  Ghe  might  realize  that  her  son  was  a  Christian  before  she 
was  taken  from  him.  This  request  was  granted  about  six  months 
before  the  mother  passed  away  from  earth.  He  was  eleven  years  old 
when  his  mother  departed  this  life.  The  loss  he  sustained  was 
keenly  felt.  While  she  is  passed  away,  her  influence  abides,  and 
is  still  manifesting  its  power  in  the  life  of  this  itinerant  preacher 
to-day. 

He  was  mariied  Oct.  14,  1890,  to  Miss  Fannie  L.  Jaynes,  of 
Oconee  County,  S.  C,  who  has  proven  to  be  a  helpmeet  indeed. 
Unto  them  have  been  born  four  children,  who  are  living,  respectively, 
Robert  H.,  Vera  J.,  John  Elmer  and  Wilbur  D.  White. 

His  education  was  received  in  the  common  schools  of  Anderson 
County,  two  years  at  Toccoa,  Ga.,  and  two  years  at  the  Easley  High 
School,  in  Pickens  County,  S.  C. 

He  was  converted  and  joined  the  Church  in  1876;  was  licensed  to 
exhort  in  January,  1887,  and  licensed  to  preach  in  October,  1888. 


Twentieth  Cexturv  Sketches.  351 


He  joined  the  South  CaroHna  Conference  in  Xovember,  1889,  at 
Camden,  S.  C,  and  was  at  that  Conference  transferred  to  the  Florida 
Conference,  \\4iere  he  received  his  first  pastoral  appointment — Carra- 
belle — which  he  served  two  years — 1890-1891.  During  his  pastorate 
in  this  charge  many  were  converted  and  added  to  the  Church.  A 
handsome  church  was  built  and  the  building  of  a  parsonage  was 
begun.  His  second  pastoral  charge  was  McCenny  Circuit,  1892. 
During  this  year  revival  influences  were  felt  throughout  the  circuit. 
At  the  end  of  this  Conference  year  he  was  transferred  back  to  the 
South  Carolina  Conference,  and  was  appointed  to  the  Hartsville  Cir- 
cuit for  1893,  a  year  noted  for  revivals  in  that  charge.  He  served 
the  South  Florence  Circuit  for  four  years — 1894-1897.  These  were 
years  in  which  the  blessings  of  God  were  peculiarly  manifested  in 
that  circuit.  He  was  pastor  of  the  Lanes  Circuit  in  1898,  during 
which  time  Gourdin's  Church  was  built.  There  were  material  and 
spiritual  advances  made  on  this  charge  during  that  year.  He  was 
assigned  to  Georgetown  Circuit  for  1899,  1900  and  1901,  which 
charge  he  is  now  serving.  A  splendid  parsonage  has  been  built  and 
other  improvements  are  manifest. 

Brother  \\"hite  is  a  splendid  preacher,  a  diligent  pastor  and  zealous 
worker.  His  work  tells.  The  people  love  him  and  he  exerts  a 
strong  influence  wherever  he  labors. 


352 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


REV.  T.  J.  WHITE. 

Rev.  Thomas  James  White,  son  of  Rev.  Lemuel  Asbury  White  and 
Airs.  SaHna  H.  White,  was  born  July  24,  1866.  He  had  access  to  the 
usual  schools  of  the  County  and  attended  these  until  he  was  about 
sixteen  3-ears  old.     He  then  went  to  Wofiford  College  for  two  years. 


After  these  two  years  at  Wofford,  he  remained  at  home,  earning 
the  money  with  which  to  complete  his  education.  Just  as  he  was 
preparing  to  return  to  college  his  father  died,  leaving  our  young 
friend  to  care  for  his  mother  and  other  children.  In  1891,  he  made 
another  efifort  and  returned  to  college,  taking  up  his  studies  where 
he  had  left  oft"  previously.  Circumstances  were  such,  however,  that 
he  was  compelled  to  return  home  after  one  session,  thus  being  unable 
to  complete  his  college  course. 

Brother  White  was  converted  at  a  prayer  meeting  in  Woft'ord  Col- 
lege in  the  spring  of  1884.  He  then  and  there  felt  divinely  called  to 
preach.  His  struggles  for  an  education  and  the  care  of  his  mother 
and  his  brothers  and  sisters  prevented  his  yielding  immediately,  but 
in  1891  he  put  himself  at  the  disposal  of  God  and  began  the  work. 
Since  entering  the  Conference,  he  has  been  a  diligent  student,  trying 
to  better  prepare  himself  for  his  life  work.  He  is  now  taking 
courses  of  study  with  Wofford  College  looking  to  the  A.  M.  degree. 

After  leaving  Wofford  College  in  1892,  Brother  White  was  em- 
ployed as  junior  preacher  on    the    Wedgefield    Circuit,  Rev.  J.  C. 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches.  353 

Chandler  being  the  preacher  in  charge.  In  Xovember,  1892,  he  was 
received  on  trial  into  the  South  Carolina  Conference,  E.  H.  Beck- 
ham. G.  F.  Clarkson,  J.  L.  Daniel,  R.  M.  DuBose,  Olin  L.  DuRant, 
Shala  W.  Henry,  E.  Palmer  Hutson,  P.  B.  Ingraham,  John  N.  Isoni, 
W.  B.  Justus,  A.  S.  Lesley,  \\'.  H.  Miller,  E.  K.  .Moore,  D.  M.  Mc- 
Leod,  R.  C.  ]\IcRoy,  A.  R.  Phillips,  J.  J.  Stevenson,  R.  \V.  Spigner, 
W.  B.  Wharton  and  W.  E.  Wiggins  joining  with  him.  He  has 
served  as  follows  :  Junior  preacher  on  Wedgefield  Circuit,  1893  :  Sum- 
ter Circuit,  1894-5;  Richland  Circuit,  1896-9;  Greenville  Circuit, 
1900-1901. 

On  December  6,  1892,  Brother  White  was  married  to  Miss  Minnie 
L.  Britton,  daughter  of  Dr.  C.  S.  Britton,  of  Sumter  County,  S.  C. 
Of  this  union  four  children  have  been  born — Penelope  May,  Annie 
Lucile,  Charles  Lemuel,  and  an  infant  not  yet  named. 

Our  good  brother  is  a  faithful,  consecrated  pastor  and  preacher. 
His  labors  have  the  divine  approval  manifested  in  the  upbuilding  of 
the  work  and  in  the  salvation  of  souls.  He  has  but  one  purpose — to 
glorify  God  in  earnest  labors  for  men. 


1:3— s 


554  Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


REV.  CASPER  E.  WIGGINS. 

"  "^     '"      on 


His  earthly  existence  began  in  Orangeburg  County,  S.  C, 
May  28,  1829.  His  advantages,  as  a  boy,  for  an  education  were  lim- 
ited, but  he  acquired  much  knowledge,  and  is  regarded  as  one  of  our 
best  informed  men. 

He  entered  the  South  Carolina  Conference  in  1854  and  after  four 
years  located,  but  reentered  the  itinerancy  in  1870  and  spent  fourteen 
years  in  the  Holston  Conference.  He  transferred  to  the  South  Caro- 
lina Conference  in  1884  and  took  regular  work  until  1897,  when  he 
felt  compelled  to  surrender  and  ask  for  a  superannuated  relation. 

On  June  18,  1857,  he  was  married  to  Miss  Mary  Elizabeth,  the 
eldest  child  of  Rev.  Lemuel  A.  Grier,  of  Georgetown  County,  S.  C. 
To  them  were  born  nine  children,  viz. :  Sarah  Elizabeth,  INIary  Elma, 
William  Edward,  Lula  Ella,  Willie  Eldridge,  James  Eugene,  Charles 
Everett,  Maggie  Eulalie  and  Lemuel  Edgar.  Two  of  these  died  in 
infancy,  two  others  just  as  they  heard  the  call  to  mature  years.  Five 
remain;  one  of  whom,  William  Edward,  is  an  itinerant  Alethodist 
preacher,  and  another  the  wife  of  an  itinerant — Rev.  R.  L.  Holroyd. 

His  entire  active  ministerial  life  was  spent  in  Circuit  work,  and 
during  one  pastorate  of  two  years  he  received  400  persons  into  the 
Church. 

His  closing  days  are  being  spent  in  Hampton  County,  S.  C,  where 
he  has  a  son  and  a  daughter. 

During  his  active  ministry.  Brother  Wiggins  was  a  strong 
preacher.  His  style  of  preaching  was  not  ornate  and  flowery,  but 
plain  and  practical — the  kind  that  is  most  helpful,  permanently,  to 
the  hearer. 

One  characteristic  of  Brother  Wiggins  is  his  cheerfulness.  He 
has  never  grown  old  and  will  never  grow  old.  His  jovial  spirit  and 
happy  way  of  relating  an  anecdote  render  him  pleasant  and  compan- 
ionable in  the  social  circle. 

This  faithful  itinerant  has  been  instrumental  in  leading  many 
souls  to  Christ,  some  of  whom  have  gone  on  before  and  are  waiting 
to  welcome  him  to  the  home  beyond. 


T\\i:\TIETH   CliXTLRV   SkKTCHES. 


355 


REV.  N.  L.  WIGGINS.  A.  B. 

Nathan  Lucas  W'igg^ins,  son  of  George  P.  and  Emma  \\'iggins, 
was  born  at  Webster,  Sumter  County,  Fla..  July  28,  1871.  He  spent 
the  early  part  of  his  life,  up  to  the  age  of  18.  on  the  farm.  He  was 
converted  May  31,  1889,  having  joined  the  Church  some  vears  before. 


In  September,  1889,  he  entered  the  Freshman  class  at  Emory  Col- 
lege, graduating  with  the  A.  B.  degree  June  14,  1893.  It  was  during 
his  Junior  year  at  Emory  that,  much  to  his  discomfiture,  he  felt 
called  of  God  to  preach  the  Gospel  of  His  Son.  He  was  licensed  to 
preach  April  23.  1892.  and  preached  his  first  sermon  at  ^klidway,  Ga. 

He  joined  the  Florida  Conference  at  its  session  in  Januarv,  1894, 
and  was  appointed  to  Cocoanut  Grove.  Before  entering  upon  his 
pastoral  duties  he  went  to  Florence,  S.  C,  where  he  was  united  in 
marriage  with  :\Irs.  Julia  Wayne  Bethea.  January  28.  1894.  They 
went  at  once  to  their  work  on  the  southeastern  coast  of  Florida.  The 
very  great  difference  in  climate  caused  his  wife  to  lose  her  health 
in  a  few  months  after  her  arrival  in  the  "Land  of  Flowers."  On 
this  account  he  was  compelled  to  abandon  the  work  about  the  middle 
of  July.  At  the  next  session  of  Conference  he  was  appointed  to 
Duval,  near  Jacksonville.  After  this  he  served  successivelv  St. 
Augustine,  ^1  id  way  and  Waukeenah.  During  all  these  vears  the 
health  of  his  wife  grew  steadily  worse  until  1898.  when,  following 
the  advice  of  his  physician,  he  secured  a  transfer  to  the  South  Caro- 


356 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


lina  Conference,  and  was  appointed  to  Loris,  which  charge  he  is  now 


servmg. 


He  has  two  httle  daughters — Candler  and  JuHa  Ray — aged  res- 
pectively 4  and  2. 


REV.  W.  E.  WIGGINS. 

Rev.  William  Eldridge  Wiggins,  son  of  Rev.  Casper  E.  Wiggins 
and  Airs.  M.  E.  Wiggins,  was  born  August  12,  1868.  He  comes  of 
good  Methodist  stock,  his  honored  father  being  a  popular  member 
of  the  Conference  and  his  devoted  mother  being  a  loyal  Methodist 


and  a  good  Christian  woman.  After  receiving  the  usual  common 
school  training,  young  Wiggins  matriculated  at  the  West  Virginia 
State  Normal  School,  where  he  spent  two  years.  He  afterwards 
spent  one  year  at  Woft'ord  College.  By  a  diligent  use  of  these  op- 
portunities, he  obtained  a  good  educational  training  and  was  thus 
enabled  to  lay  a  good  foundation  for  his  life  work. 

From  almost  his  earliest  recollections,  Brother  Wiggins  had  an 
impression  that  he  would  be  called  to  preach.  This  impression  be- 
came more  and  more  definite  as  the  years  passed,  until  he  became 
conscious  that  to  resist  would  be  at  the  peril  of  his  soul.  He  was 
licensed  to  preach  by  the  Quarterly  Conference  of  the  East  Chester 


Twentieth  Cexturv  Sketches.  357 


Circuit  held  November  i,  1890,  Rev.  A.  Yl.  Chreitzberg-,  D.  D.,  being 
the  Presiding  Elder. 

He  was  received  on  trial  into  the  South  Carolina  Conference  in 
November,  1892,  with  E.  H.  Beckham,  George  F.  Clarkson,  J.  L. 
Daniel,  R.  AI.  DuBose,  Olin  L.  DuRant,  Shala  W.  Henry,  E.  P. 
Hutson,  P.  B.  Ingraham,  John  X.  Isom,  W.  B.  Justus,  A.  S.  Lesley, 
W.  H.  Miller,  E.  K.  :^loore,  D.  ^lelvin  :\IcLeod,  R.  C.  McRoy,  A.  R. 
Phillips,  J.  J.  Stevenson,  R.  W.  Spigner,  T.  J.  White  and  W.  B. 
Wharton. 

He  has  served  as  follows  :  Berkeley  Circuit,  1893  ;  Boiling  Springs 
Circuit,  1S94-5;  Edisto  Circuit,  1896;  Orange  Circuit,  1897;  New 
Zion  Cn-cuit,  1898-9;  Easley  and  Bethesda,  1900-1901. 

Brother  \\'iggins  was  married  on  June  7.  1893,  to  Aliss  Vivia 
Parker,  of  Holly  Hill,  S.  C.  They  have  three  children  living— Mag- 
gie Eulalie,  Charles  Everett  and  Alma  Lawton. 

Our  young  friend  is  an  excellent  young  man,  a  faithful  pastor  and 
good  preacher.  His  work  is  owned  of  the  Lc-rd  and  many  are  led 
to  Christ  bv  him. 


358 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


REV.  ELI  A.  WILKES. 

The  subject  of  this  sketch,  Rev.  EH  Alston  ^^'ilkes,  was  born  in 
Chester  County,  Aug.  17,  1861.  His  father  was  E.  Cornwell  Wilkes, 
of  the  same  county ;  his  mother  was  ]\Iiss  Mary  Lou  Hawthorne,  of 
Fairfield.     The  father,  a  Confederate  soldier,  died  near  Harrisburg, 


Va.,  just  after  the  Battle  of  Gettysburg,  in  1863,  aged  2^.  His 
mother  married  again  in  1866  to  Col.  Richard  Woods,  of  Chester 
County,  on  Broad  River.  There  yovmg  W  ilkes  grew  up.  His  early 
education  was  such  as  could  be  gotten  in  the  neighborhood  schools. 
At  the  age  of  fourteen,  in  the  fall  of  1875,  l""^  entered  the  high 
school  of  Col.  Jno.  B.  Patrick,  at  Greenville,  S.  C.  There  he  pre- 
pared for  Furman  University,  which  he  entered  in  1877.  Here  he 
stayed  one  year ;  then  went  to  W' ashington  and  Lee  L^niversity,  where 
he  studied  law  nearly  one  year.  Then  he  continued  the  study  of 
law  in  the  office  of  Maj.  B.  F.  W^hitner,  at  Greenville,  S.  C,  for  two 
years.  He  then  went  to  the  University  of  North  Carolina,  where  he 
spent  two  years,  leaving  on  account  of  the  illness  of  his  step-father, 
who  was  smitten  with  paralysis. 

From  1884  to  1887  he  taught  school  in  his  native  county.  He 
was  married  in  1887  to  Miss  Mattie  L.  Byars.  Six  children  have 
been  born  to  them,  viz. :  ]\Iarvin  ]\L,  Roy  W.,  Guy  W.,  Nannie  Lou, 
Irene  Tona.     One  is  dead — ]\Iaggie  Belle. 


TwEXTiETH  Century  Sketches.  359 


Brother  Wilkes  has  come  of  Methodist  parentage.  He  joined  the 
Church  in  1875.  He  was  converted  then,  and  felt  called  to  preach 
at  Greenville,  while  under  the  ministry  of  Dr.  A.  Coke  Smith.  This 
he  resisted,  and  woefully  backslid.  He  continued  in  this  state  till 
1887,  when  he  repented  of  his  sins  and  was  restored  to  God's  favor. 
Again  he  felt  called  to  preach,  to  which  he  yielded,  and  was  licensed 
in  August,  1888,  at  Capers  Chapel,  Chester  Circuit,  J.  B.  Tray  wick, 
preacher  in  charge;  Dr.  A.  M.  Chrietzberg.  Presiding  Elder.  He 
joined  the  Conference  at  Winnsboro.  in  November,  1888,  and  has 
served  the  following  works:  :\lcCormick,  Kinards,  Greenville, 
Parksville,  Lamar,  South  Branchville  and  Orange. 

In  June,  1899,  he  began  publishing  and  editing  a  religious  weekly, 
"TheCircuit  Rider,"  which  seems  launched  on  a  prosperous  career. 

Brother  Wilkes  is  a  typical  Methodist  preacher.  He  truly  belongs 
to  the  rank  and  file  of  these  worthies.  Proud  of  his  calling,  he 
magnifies  his  office.  Cheerful,  brainy,  sympathetic  and  versatile, 
he  would  make  his  mark  anywhere.  Above  all  his  other  endow- 
ments, he  has  the  grace  of  God  in  his  heart,  knows  it  and  enjoys  it. 
Religion  is  a  great  verity  to  him.  As  a  preacher,  he  is  concise, 
strong,  interesting:  as  a  writer,  he  is  siii  generis,  putting  in  the  most 
ur.ex'jpcted  things  in  the  most  unexpected  way,  but  always  to  the 
point,  and  never  writing  a  dull  line. 

Ma^•  God  grant  our  friend  and  brother  long  life,  and  crown  it  with 
glorious  success. 


36o 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


REV.  W.  W.  WILLIAMS. 

\A"illiam  Wesley  Williams,  fourth  son  and  seventh  child  of  John 
Pritchett  and  Nancy  \\'illiams,  was  born  in  Richland  County,  S.  C, 
July  24th,  1848.  His  father  was  of  Welsh  ancestry,  while  his 
mother,  whose  maiden  name  was  Leitner,  was  of  German  extraction. 


The  writer  has  known  Brother  Williams  nearly  all  of  his  life,  and 
hence  is  prepared  to  write  intelligently  of  him  as  a  boy,  a  young 
business  man,  a  teacher,  a  Church  officer  and  minister  of  the  Gospel. 

Early  in  the  childhood  of  the  subject  of  this  sketch  his  parents 
moved  to  Columbia  that  they  might  be  in  reach  of  better  educational 
facilities  for  their  children,  and  it  was  in  the  common  and  high 
schools  of  Columbia  that  he  received  his  education,  which,  however, 
was  interfered  with  by  the  war  between  the  States. 

In  the  autumn  of  1865  he  entered  mercantile  life,  in  which  he  con- 
tinued, with  an  intermission  of  one  year,  which  was  used  in  preparing 
himself  for  greater  proficiency  in  the  counting  room,  until  his  ad- 
mission into  the  Conference  at  Greenville  in  December,  1874. 

Brother  Williams  joined  the  Church  under  the  ministry  of  Rev. 
John  W.  North  and  was  converted  under  the  ministry  of  Rev.  W. 
W.  Mood,  in  Marion  Street  Station,  Columbia,  and  when  licensed 
to  preach  was  a  member  of  the  Board  of  Stewards  and  a  teacher  in 


TwiiXTIETH    CeXTURV    SKETCHES.  361 


the  Sunday  School.     His  first  appointment  (1875)  was  to  Darhng- 
ton  Circuit,  with  Rev.  L.  M.  Hamer  as  senior. 

In  1876  he  was  appointed  to  Kershaw  Circuit,  but  in  adjustments 
of  work  after  Conference  he  was  transferred  to  Blackstock  Circuit 
and  Mission,  having-  served  only  one  month  on  Kershaw  Circuit ; 
1877,  he  was  sent  to  East  Chester  Circuit,  with  Rev.  John  \V.  Kelly 
as  senior;  1878,  Lancaster  Station;  1879,  Columbia  Circuit:  1880-82, 
Fort  Mill  Circuit  (during  his  pastorate  of  this  charge  Pleasant  Hill 
Church  was  built  and  the  parsonage  and  the  lot  on  which  the  church 
now  stands  in  Fort  ^UW  was  bought  and  paid  for  and  the  Camp 
Ground  at  Bel  Air  established)  ;  in  1883.  Ridgeway  Circuit;  1884, 
South  Branchville  Circuit:  1885,  Cypress  Circuit;  1886-89,  Round  O 
Circuit;  1890-93,  Lower  St.  Matthews  Circuit  (during  this  pastorate 
the  church  at  Elloree  was  erected)  ;  1894-97,  Latta  Circuit  (during 
this  pastorate  the  parsonage  which  had  been  projected  by  his  prede- 
cessor was  finished  and  Bethesda  church  was  built  and  paid  for)  ; 
1898,  Clio  Circuit:  1899,  Denmark  Circuit;  1900,  Orangeburg  Cir- 
cuit. 

He  was  married  December  26tli,  1878,  to  :\Iiss  Laura  Fedora  King, 
youngest  daughter  of  William  and  Rhoda  King,  of  Darlington 
Countv,  S.  C.  Of  this  union  six  children  were  born  :  Elbert  Derrick, 
the  first,  Thomas  Alvin,  the  third,  and  Cora,  the  fourth,  died  in  in- 
fancy;  William  Marion,  the  second,  Ellen  (Xell),  the  fifth,  and  Paul 
Pritchett,  the  sixth,  still  survive.  The  wife  and  mother  died  August 
2ist,  1895. 

•  March  24th,  1897,  he  married  Miss  Aleph  DuRant.  youngest  child 
of  the  late  Rev.  H.  H.  DuRant,  of  the  South  Carolina  Conference. 
Of  this  marriage  one  child  was  born,  Laura,  who  lived  only  a  few 
short  months. 

Brother  Williams  was  ordained  Deacon  at  Chester,  December. 
1876,  by  Bishop  H.  H.  Kavanaugh.  and  Elder  at  Newberr>-,  Decem- 
ber, 1878,  by  Bishop  W.  ^L  \\'ightman. 

From  the  day  he  entered  the  ministry  till  the  present  Brother  Wil- 
liams has  been  a  hard  student,  having  a  large  library  of  choice  books 
the  contents  of  which  he  has  largely  stored  away  in  his  mind.  He 
is  a  successful  preacher  and  a  lal)orious  pastor  and  every  charge  he 
has  served  has  been  developed  and  strengthened. 


362 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


REV.  JOHN  0.  WILLSON. 

John  Owens  Willson,  elder  son  of  the  late  Dr.  John  and  Mrs. 
Sarah  A.  E.  Willson,  was  born  January  27th,  1845,  ^^  "Cedar  Grove" 
plantation,  St.  James  (Goose  Creek)  Parish,  Charleston  District,  now 
Berkeley    County,    S.    C.     He  was    educated    in    the    neighborhood 


schools.  Kings  IMountain  Military  Academy  and  the  South  Carolina 
Military  Academy,  leaving  the  latter  in  his  junior  year  to  enter  the 
Confederate  army  in  June,  1862.  He  served,  as  a  private,  in  Com- 
pany F  (Cadet  Rangers)  Sixth  S.  C.  Cavalry,  and  in  Company  1 
(Rebel  Troop)  Third  S.  C.  Cavalry.  After  the  war  he  studied  law 
under  the  late  Gen.  W.  W.  Harllee,  was  admitted  to  practice  Novem- 
ber, 1866,  and  practiced  at  Kingstree,  Florence  and  Marion — save  a 
brief  period  in  1868,  when  he  gave  up  his  work  to  go  to  California, 
but  changed  his  purpose  at  his  mother's  urgency  and  remained,  teach- 
ing school  for  a  few  months  before  choosing  a  new  location.  In 
1868,  under  strong  religious  conviction,  he  asked  and  received  con- 
firmation in  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church,  in  St.  Johns  Berkeley 
Parish.  On  January  30th,  1873,  he  was  converted — greatly  helped 
at  this  crisis  by  M.  AI.  Ferguson,  who  since  entered  the  ministry  and 
is  now  a  member  of  our  Conference,  and  on  February  23rd,  1873, 
he  was  received  by  the  Rev.  W.  C.  Power  into  the  Alethodist  Epis- 
copal Church,  South,  of  which  Church  his  father  had  been  a  consist- 


Twentieth  Cextury  Sketches.  363 

ent  member.  Called  to  preach,  he  was  licensed  to  exhort  by  the  late 
Rev.  John  W.  Kelly,  Presiding  Elder  of  Marion  District,  then  to 
preach  by  the  Marion  Quarterly  Conference,  and  was  recommended 
and  on  Dec.  15th,  1873,  received  into  the  South  Carolina  Confer- 
ence. His  appointments  have  been,  in  order  and  time,  as  follows: 
Darlington,  four  years  :  Camden,  three  years  ;  Greenville,  three  years  ; 
Trinity,  Charleston,  four  years ;  Greenville,  two  years ;  Florence  Dis- 
trict, one  year;  Greenville  District,  four  years;  and  since  December 
6.  1894,  editor  of  the  Southern  Christian  Advocate.  He  has  served 
in  the  General  Conferences  of  1890,  1894  and  1898.  Since  June, 
1895.  he  has  been  a  member  of  the  Sunday  School  Board  of  our 
Church.  In  June.  1896.  Wofford  College  conferred  on  him  the  de- 
gree of  Doctor  of  Divinity.  From  1887  till  November,  1894,  he  was 
a  trustee  of  Columbia  Female  College. 

On  April  27th.  1871,  he  married  2\Iiss  Mary  Oriana  Richardson, 
of  Marion,  who  died  January  19th,  1873.  leaving  a  daughter,  now 
Airs.  Mary  Bessie  Donaldson,  wife  of  Lieut.  T.  Q.  Donaldson,  U.  S. 
A.  On  August  27th,  1896,  he  married  Miss  Kathleen  McPherson 
Lander,  of  Williamston,  S.  C,  and  with  her  traveled  four  months  in 
Europe,  Egypt  and  "The  Holy  Land." 

Dr.  Willson's  success  as  a  pastor  was  phenomenal.  Indeed,  he 
was  the  "house-going  preacher  who  had  a  church-going  people."  In 
their  hours  of  trouble,  they  ever  knew  that  their  pastor's  heart  beat 
in  sympathy  with  theirs.  He  never  aspired  to  be  known  as  an  "ora- 
tor," or  as  a  "modern  thinker,"  or  as  a  "critical  preacher,"  but  was 
ever  satisfied  to  carry  the  simple  Gospel  to  the  people.  He  was  emi- 
nently successful  as  a  Presiding  Elder,  loved  by  preachers  and  people. 
The  Conference  endorsed  his  wise  and  discreet  management  of  The 
Southern  Christian  Advocate  by  reelecting  him  as  editor.  His  abil- 
ity is  beyond  dispute  and  the  "Old  Southern"  has.  under  his  admin- 
istration, ever  been  true  to  the  institutions  of  the  Church. 

Dr.  W^illson  is  a  diligent  worker.  Besides  his  arduous  duties  as 
editor,  he  has  often  done  excellent  work  in  other  departments. 
From  July,  1898,  till  Conference,  he  filled  the  oftice  of  Presiding 
Elder  of  the  Columbia  District,  without  remuneration,  and  allowed 
the  salary  to  go  to  the  family  of  Rev.  J.  Walter  Dickson,  who  had 
died  during  the  year.  Upon  the  untimely  death  of  Rev.  John  Owen, 
making  vacant  the  pastorate  of  Johnston  Circuit.  Dr.  Willson  filled 
the  place  till  Conference  and  allowed  the  salary  to  go  to  the  bereaved 
familv  of  Brother  Owen. 


364 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


REV.  JOHN  B.  WILSON. 

Rev.  John  B.  \Mlson,  son  of  Rev.  Wright  Wilson  and  JMrs. 
Susannah  Wilson  (nee  Aledlin),  was  born  January  14,  1847.  His 
parents  were  born  in  Wayne  County,  N.  C,  but  came  to  Marlboro 
County,  S.  C,  in  early  life.     Young  Wilson  was  thoroughly  trained 


in  the  common  schools  of  Marlboro  County  and  at  the  Clio  and  Red 
Bluff  Academies.  He  here  made  good  progress  in  mathematics, 
Latin  and  the  English  branches.  After  leaving  school,  he  taught  for 
a  period  of  two  years  in  Darlington  County,  during  which  time  he 
kept  up  his  studies.  A\'ith  the  foundation  thus  laid,  he  began  the 
building  of  the  superstructure  of  culture  and  scholarship.  He  has 
always  been  a  diligent  student,  so  during  the  year  following  his 
school  days  and  the  thirty  years  in  the  itinerancy,  he  has  been  con- 
tinually adding  to  his  mental  equipment  until  he  is  now  recognized 
as  a  man  of  scholarly  attainments,  and  as  one  of  the  deepest  thinkers 
in  the  Conference.  He  is  what  is  popularly  known  as  a  "self-made" 
man ;  but  it  is  clear  that  the  "making"  has  been  well  done. 

From  his  childhood.  Brother  Wilson  had  been  impressed  that  he 
would  be  called  to  preach.  When  he  was  converted  on  November 
I,  1867,  ^^^  impression  became  convincing  and  irresistible.  He  was 
licensed  to  exhort  by  the  Quarterly  Conference  of  Little  Rock  Cir- 
cuit, Marion  District,  in  July,  1868.  He  was  licensed  to  preach  by 
the  Quarterly  Conference  of  the  Darlington  Circuit  in  May,  1869. 


TwEXTiETH  Century  Sketches.  365 

In  October,  1871,  he  was  recommended  for  admission  on  trial  into 
the  South  CaroHna  Conference  by  the  Quarterly  Conference  of  the 
Bennettsville  Circuit.  From  his  conversion,  he  had  struggled  against 
the  idea  of  going  into  the  regular  itinerancy,  trying  to  satisfy  the  de- 
mands of  the  Divine  call  by  serving  as  a  local  preacher.  But  an  un- 
seen hand  led  him  on,  so  in  December,  1871,  he,  with  D.  D.  Dantzler, 
J.  K.  ^IcCain  and  Dove  Tiller,  was  received  on  trial  into  the  Con- 
ference. Since  his  reception  into  the  Conference  he  has  served  as 
follows:  Junior  preacher  on  Darlington  Circuit,  with  J.  B.  Campbell, 
1872;  Fair  Forest  Circuit,  1873-6;  Limestone  Springs,  1877-8; 
^Nlessopotamia,  1879;  Belmont,  1880-3;  Gaffney  Circuit,  1884-7; 
Johnston  Circuit,  1888-1890;  Florence  District,  1891-4;  Marion  Dis- 
trict, 1895-8;  Greenville  District,  1899-1901.  At  this  writing  he  is 
in  the  third  year  of  a  successful  administration  on  the  Greenville 
District.     In  all  his  fields  of  labor  great  success  has  attended  him. 

In  Darlington  County,  on  January  16,  1870,  Brother  Wilson  was 
married  to  Miss  Roxie  L.  Galloway,  Rev.  John  Josey  performing  the 
ceremony.  Of  this  vmion  the  following  children  have  been  born  : 
Bertha,  Claudius,  Marvin,  Emma  Agatha,  Maude,  Victor  Carlisle, 
Lucy,  Florence  Smith,  Alma  and  Guy  Hendrix.  Two  of  these — 
Bertha  and  Alma — have  passed  to  the  life  beyond. 

Brother  Wilson  is  one  of  the  strongest  men  in  the  Conference. 
As  a  preacher,  he  has  unusual  ability.  He  is  never  satisfied  with  a 
surface  treatment  of  any  subject,  but  thinks  deeply,  logically  and 
analytically  until  he  reaches  foundation  principles.  Thus  prepared,  he 
preaches  with  great  force  and  efifectiveness.  While  a  pastor,  he  was 
thorough  and  systematic,  always  carrying  excellent  reports  to  Con- 
ference. He  is  a  great  success  as  a  Presiding  Elder — firm  without 
being  autocratic  or  arbitrary.  He  is  a  friend  to  the  preachers  and 
the  people,  ever  striving  to  do  the  best  for  all  parties.  As  a  man, 
he  has  fine  traits  of  character  and  worthily  has  the  esteem  and  con- 
fidence of  the  brethren. 


*^^^* 


366 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


REV.  W.  C.  WINN. 

Rev.  William  Collier  Winn,  son  of  Mr.  William  C.  Winn.,  Sr., 
and  Sallie  East  Winn,  was  born  in  Laurens  County,  S.  C,  December 
lo,  1864.  His  good  mother  still  lives.  His  father  was  mortally 
wounded  May  11,  1864,  at  the  Battle  of  Spottsylvania  C.  H.     The 


father  was  a  brave  soldier,  being  promoted  to  lieutenancy  for  gal- 
lantry on  the  battlefield  just  before  receiving  his  mortal  wound. 

After  receiving  the  usual  training  in  the  common  schools,  Brother 
Winn  entered  the  Preparator}-  Department  of  Wofiford  College  in 
1883.  In  October,  1884,  he  entered  the  Freshman  class.  He  spent 
two  years  in  the  regular  college  classes,  finishing  the  course  through 
the  Sophomore  class.  His  health  was  so  impaired  at  this  time  by  a 
severe  case  of  measles,  followed  by  typhoid  fever,  that  he  was  com- 
pelled to  abandon  his  college  course.  After  leaving  college,  he 
taught  school  five  years — one  year  in  Spartanburg  County  and  four 
years  at  Gray  Court,  in  Laurens  County,  where  he  established  and 
maintained  a  flourishing  school.  While  on  the  Abbeville  Circuit 
he  taught  for  several  months  at  Salem  Church. 

The  first  distinct  impression  made  upon  the  mind  and  heart  of 
Brother  Winn  that  he  ought  to  preach  was  made  in  his  nineteenth 
year.  Like  many  others,  he  struggled  against  it,  looking  upon 
preaching  as  a  burden,  growing  careless  about  Church  attendance, 
until  his  twenty-seventh  }ear,  when  he  fullv  surrendered  to  the  call 


TWEXTIETH    CeXTLRV    SKETCHES.  367 

of  God.  He  was  licensed  to  preach  at  the  Fourtli  Quarterly  Con- 
ference of  the  North  Laurens  Circuit,  October  16,  1891,  Rev.  W.  A. 
Clarke  being  pastor,  and  Rev.  J.  Marion  Boyd  being  Presiding  Elder. 

Brother  Winn  was  admitted  on  trial  into  the  Conference  at  Dar- 
lington, S.  C,  December,  1891,  and  has  served  as  follows:  Junior 
preacher  on  Abbeville  Circuit,  with  Rev.  H.  W.  W'hitaker,  1892; 
junior  preacher  on  Claussen  Circuit,  with  Rev.  X.  K.  ]\Ielton,  1893; 
Georgetown  Circuit,  1894-5;  Ridgeway  Circuit,  1896-7;  Butler  Cir- 
cuit, 1898-9;  Waterloo  Circuit,  1900.  In  all  of  these  he  has  made 
a  good  record,  leaving  the  charge  in  better  spiritual  condition  than 
when  he  found  it.  He  has  been  instrumental  in  the  conversion  of 
many  souls.  In  his  own  quiet  way,  our  brother  goes  about  doing  his 
work,  preaching  the  word  of  life  with  force  and  meeting  the  pas- 
toral demands  upon  him. 

Brother  \\'inn  was  married,  on  January  15,  1893,  to  Miss  Belle  G. 
East,  daughter  of  Capt.  and  Mrs.  T.  !\I.  East,  of  Okolona,  Ark. 
They  have  three  children — Eula  East,  Mary  Belle  and  Evelyn  Barks- 
dale. 


REV.  JNO.  0.  WOOD. 

Rev.  John  Austin  Wood,  son  of  Mr.  Wiley  Duncan  Wood  and 
Mary  Bailey  Wood,  was  born  in  Spartanburg  County,  S.  C,  Oc- 
tober I,  1832. 

Young  Wood  had  the  usual  advantages  of  school  life  afiforded  at 
that  day.  He  was  trained  in  the  home,  and  then  attended  various 
schools.  He  was  prepared  for  college,  but  instead  of  going  to  col 
lege  he  began  teaching  in  the  public  schools.  Here  he  had  splendia 
opportunities  for  enlarging  his  mental  stock,  and  he  used  them  to 
good  advantage.  He  afterwards  saw  the  mistake  he  made  in  not 
going  to  college,  and  strove  the  harder  by  close  application  to  books 
to  make  up  for  the  loss  of  the  college  course. 

The  impression  had  been  made  upon  the  mind  and  heart  of  Brother 
Wood  in  previous  years  that  he  ought  to  preach.  The  call  had  be- 
come more  and  more  distinct  until  during  the  great  revival  that 
swept  over  the  Greenville  Circuit  in  i860,  he  yielded  to  the  Divine 
leading  and  decided  to  take  up  the  work  assigned  him.  The  Quar- 
terly Conference  of  the  Greenville  Circuit  licensed  him  to  preach, 
and  recommended  him  to  the  Annual  Conference  for  admission  on 
trial.  He  was  admitted  in  December,  i860,  with  X'.  K.  ^Melton,  J.  L. 
Sifly  and  J.  J.  Workman.  He  has  served  as  follows :  Junior 
preacher  on  Combahee  Mission,  1861  ;  Laurens  Circuit,  1862;  Horry 
Circuit,  1863;  Marion  Circuit,  1864;  Black  River  and  Pee  Dee  ]Mis- 
sion,  till  the  summer,  then  Williamsburg  Circuit,  1865  ;  Columbus, 
N.  C,  1866-8;  York  Station,  1869;  Williamston  Circuit.  1870;  super- 


368 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


mimerary,  1871-80;  Campobello  Circuit,  1881  ;  Cane  Creek  Circuit, 
1882;  Clinton  Circuit,  1883;  Johnsonville  Circuit,  1884;  Salters  Cir- 
cuit, 1885-6;  supernumerary,  1887-1892.  In  1892  he  was  placed  on 
the  superannuate  relation,  which  he  still  holds,  worthily  having  his 
place  on  this  "roll  of  honor"  of  the  Conference. 

On  January  28,  1885.  Brother  Wood  was  married  to  Mrs.  Lou 
Terry  "Wason,  at  Greenville,  S.  C,  Rev.  J.  B.  Campbell  officiating. 

Our  good  brother,  during  his  active  years,  quietly  went  on  doing 
his  duty,  preaching  the  Word  of  Life  to  dying  sinners  and  comfort- 
inp-  the  distressed  and  sorrow-stricken.  His  active  davs  are  over, 
but  the  influence  of  his  life  and  labors  continues  to  bear  fruit.  May 
the  sunset  of  his  life  be  radiant  with  divine  glorv ! 


REV.  W.  A.  WRIGHT. 

William  Asbury  Wright,  son  of  Rev.  William  Francis  W>ight  and 
Martha  Catherine  Sylvester  Wright,  was  born  at  Providence,  in 
Sumter  County,  S.  C. 

(William  Francis  was  a  son  of  Peter  June  Wright,  who  was  a  son 
of  Dr.  Thomas  Wright,  an  early  Scotch-Irish  settler  of  Virginia.) 


Maternally  he  is  descended  from  French  Huguenot  ancestry,  who 
first  settled  in  ]\Iaryland,  his  grandfather,  William  Manson  Sylves- 
ter, was  the  first  to  introduce  cotton  into  South  Carolina. 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches.  369 

(  )n  .March  5,  1890.  lie  was  married  to  Sudie  Liert,  daughter  of 
Edward  1).  Wright  and  Salhe  Clements  Wright. 

One  .^on,  W'ilHam  Edward,  was  born  to  them  near  Summerville, 
on  the  Cypress  Circuit,  Sept.  12.  1894. 

IJrother  Wriglit's  education  was  pursued  princiijally  under  his 
father,  who  was  for  many  years  a  teacher,  and  in  the  high  schools  of 
Columbia,  S.  C.  He  felt  called  to  preach  from  childhood,  and  as 
time  passed  the  impression  grew  stronger.  In  1886  he  was  licensed 
to  exhort  under  Rev.  A.  J.  Stokes.  A  few  months  later,  in  the  same 
year,  his  father  died.  Before  his  death  he  called  his  son  to  his  bed- 
side and  told  him  that  he  "had  prayed  for  fifteen  years  that  the  Lord 
would  give  him  a  son  in  the  ministry,  and  that  he  now  felt  that  his 
prayer  was  answered.'' 

The  following  year,  1887.  he  was  licensed  to  jircacli  imder  Dr.  S. 
B.  Jones,  in  Columbia  District,  and  was  apjjointed  assistant  pastor 
under  Rev.  J.  E.  Rushton  on  the  Society  Hill  Circuit  for  the  year 
1888.  From  this  charge  he  was  recommended  to  the  Annual  Confer- 
ence and  was  received  on  trial  and  was  returned  to  the  same  charge 
for  1889-yo,  the  circuit  having  been  divided.  His  work  here  was 
very  prosperous,  three  new  churches  were  begun  and  a  large  number 
were  added  to  the  Church. 

In  1891-92  he  was  assigned  to  Conway  Circuit,  which  rapidly  de- 
veloped and  the  second  year  was  made  self-supporting. 

In  1893-94  he  labored  on  Cypress  Circuit,  where  perhaps,  his 
hardest  and  most  lasting  work  was  accomplished. 

In  1895-97  he  served  New  Zion  Circuit,  where  he  was  influential 
in  having  erected  one  of  the  prettiest  country  churches  in  that 
County.  1898-99  he  was  appointed  to  the  Barnwell  charge,  where 
a  large  number  were  added  to  the  Church  and  one  of  tl'e  prettiest 
parsonages  in  the  district  was  secured  to  the  Conference. 

In  1900  he  was  changed  to  the  Branchville  charge,  his  present  field 
of  labor. 


24— S. 


370 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


REV.  W.  H.  WROTON. 

One  of  our  most  excellent  men  is  \\'illiam  Henry  W'roton.  He  is 
the  son  of  William  H.  and  Hattie  J.  Wroton,  and  was  born  August 
26,  1858. 

He  had  splendid  training  in  primary  schools,  and  then  entered  the 
Denmark  High  School.     After  a  course  there,  he  was  matriculated 


at  Doctor  Tarrant's  Classical  School,  in  Charleston,  S.  C,  where  he 
received  thorough  mental  training. 

Brother  Wroton  was  licensed  to  preach  in  February,  1879,  ^y  the 
Quarterly  Conference  of  the  Denmark  Circuit,  Orangeburg  District, 
'Rev.  Jesse  A.  Clifton  being  the  preacher  in  charge,  and  Rev.  ]\lan- 
ning  Brown  being  the  Presiding  Elder.  He  joined  the  South  Caro- 
lina Conference  at  the  session  held  in  Charleston,  S.  C,  December, 
1879,  Bishop  W.  ]\I.  Wightman  presiding.  His  Conference  class- 
mates are  J.  Walter  Daniel,  J.  M.  Fridy,  T.  E.  ]\Iorris,  P.  A.  ^Murray. 
His  labors  have  been  as  follows:  North  Marlboro  Circuit,  1880; 
Providence  Circuit,  1881  ;  Cherokee  Springs  Circuit,  1882;  South 
Branchville  Circuit,  1883;  Boiling  Springs  Circuit,  1884;  Granite- 
ville,  1885-7;  Williamston  Circuit,  1888-90;  Oswego  Circuit,  1891-3; 
Edgewood  Circuit,  1894;  Hampton  Circuit,  1895-6;  Black  Swamp 
Circuit,  1897-8;  superannuate,  1899;  supernumerary,  1900-1901. 

On  December  22,  1881,  Brother  Wroton  was  married  to  ]\Iiss  Bes- 
sie Evans,  daughter  of  David  \\'.  and  Frances  Evans,  of  Orange- 


TwKXTiETH  Century  Sketches. 


371 


burg  County,  S.  C.  They  have  six  children— Mctor  E.,  James  C, 
W.  Harry,  Hattie  R.,  Edith  Genevieve  and  L.  Bess. 

Our  good  brother's  health  gave  way  and  he  had  to  take  the  super- 
numerary relation,  but  during  his  active  ministry  he  was  a  forceful 
preacher  and  successful  pastor.  During  his  pastorate  at  Graniteville 
he  received  two  hundred  and  forty  people  into  the  Church;  and 
while  stationed  at  W'illiamston  he  received  about  three  hundred  into 
the  Church. 

Brother  Wroton  is  a  quiet,  amiable  man,  making  friends  wherever 
he  goes.  His  many  friends  wish  for  him  a  speedy  restoration  to 
health  and  trust  that  he  may  yet  have  many  years  in  which  to  preach 
the  blessed  Gospel. 


REV.  J.  C.  YONGUE. 

James  Carson  Yongue,  second  son  of  Robert  Aiken  Yongue  and 
]\Iargaret  Richardson  Yongue,  was  born  in  Columbia,  S.  C,  October 
15,  1855,  and  was  dedicated  to  God  in  baptism  by  Rev.  Dr.  Shand, 
rector  of  Trinity  (Episcopal)   Church,  in  that  city.     \Mien  the  boy 


was  four  and  a  half  years  old  his  father  died.  The  mother,  with 
her  two  boys,  the  subject  of  this  paper  and  his  brother,  Robert  A.. 
entered  the  family  of  her  brother-in-law,  the  late  Rev.  Dr.  Francis 
A.  iMood,  who  was  at  that  time  a  member  of  the  South  Carolina  Con- 


2i'J2  Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 

ference  and  who  afterwards  became  Regent  of  Southwestern  Uni- 
versity, at  Georgetown,  Texas.  Thus  the  boy  had  an  early  training 
in  the  itinerancy.  His  first  effo'  ts  at  Christian  work  were  made  dur- 
ing these  boyhood  days  as  a  missionary  to  the  httle  negroes  on  the 
plantations,  teaching  them  the  Scriptures  and  catechism  and  exercis- 
ing his  gifts  as  a  singer.  This  last  fact,  doubtless,  accounts  for  the 
ease  with  which  our  friend  to  this  day  charms  his  congregations  with 
song.  After  a  few  years,  the  boy  left  his  native  State  and  went  to 
Alabama,  and  lived  with  his  uncle.  Dr.  Thomas  AI.  Logan.  He  re- 
turned to  South  Carolina  in  1868.  From  this  time  till  1884,  Mr. 
Yongue  resided  in  various  places  in  the  State  and  at  one  time  lived  in 
Philadelphia,  Pa.,  for  a  while.  During  these  years  he  had  a  varied 
experience  in  occupations — going  to  school,  farm  work,  teaching, 
reading  law,  etc. 

The  subject  attended  school  for  a  while  at  the  Porter  Academy, 
Charleston,  S.  C,  and  at  a  German  and  English  Classical  Institute, 
the  principal  of  which  made  an  everlasting  impression  upon  our 
friend — in  mind  and  body. 

On  October  15,  1878,  Mr.  Yongue  was  married  to  Miss  Caroline 
Juliet  Stroman,  Rev.  N.  K.  Melton,  performing  the  ceremony.  He 
and  his  wife  then  united  with  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church, 
South,  at  Rocky  Swamp.  Wishing  their  home  to  bear  the  marks  of 
their  religion,  the  young  couple  established  the  family  altar.  The 
death  of  his  dear  mother,  Feb.  8,  1880,  was  used  of  God  to  the  good 
of  the  son,  leading  to  his  conversion  that  year  during  a  meeting  con- 
ducted by  Rev.  George  H.  Pooser  at  Rocky  Swamp  Church.  Shortly 
afterward  he  was  divinely  called  to  preach.  Wx.  Yongue  was  first 
licensed  as  an  exhorter,  and  in  June,  1882,  was  licensed  to  preach. 
In  1884  he  served  as  a  supply  as  junior  preacher  on  the  Boiling 
Springs  Circuit,  Rev.  W.  H.  Wroton,  pastor.  In  the  fall  of  that 
year  he  was  admitted  on  trial  into  the  Conference,  since  which  time 
he  has  served  the  following  charges:  Boiling  Springs  Circuit,  1885; 
Williston  Circuit,  1886;  Colleton  Circuit,  1887-88;  Walterboro  Cir- 
cuit, 1889-90;  Ridgeville  Circuit,  1891-92;  Cumberland,  Charleston, 
1893-95:  Orangeburg  Circuit,  1896-97;  Edisto  Circuit,  1898-1900. 
These  years  have  been  full  of  labors  and  have  been  marked  with  suc- 
cess. JNIr.  Yongue  has  baptized  469  persons,  married  154  couples, 
and  has  raised  $19,351.63.  He  was  ordained  Deacon  in  1885  by 
Bishop  J.  C.  Keener  and  Elder  in  1888  by  Bishop  Keener. 

Mr.  Yongue  has  five  children  living  on  earth — Robert  Millar, 
Charles  Stroman,  Selina  Moss,  Mary  Caroline  and  Samuel  Marvin. 
One — little  Maggie — lives  in  Heaven. 

Mr.  Yongue  is  a  zealous  pastor,  a  strong  preacher,  and  an  excel- 
lent man.  He  has  had  much  trouble,  but  bears  it  silently  and  pa- 
tiently labors  on. 


Twentieth  Cexturv  Sketches. 


Z7Z 


REV.  R.  A.  YONGUE. 

Rev.  Robert  Aiken  Yongue,  son  of  Mr.  R.  A.  Yongue  and  Mar- 
garet R.  Yongue,  was  born  November  25,  185 1.  His  mother's 
maiden  name  was  Logan.  He  was  educated  principally  in  the  High 
School  of  Charleston.  S.  C. ;  also  attended  various  countrv  schools. 


In  these  he  learned  how  to  study,  and  the  work  of  mental  enlarge- 
ment and  development  has  gone  on  during  all  these  years. 

It  is  wonderful  how  God  often  uses  a  great  trouble  to  bring  a 
great  blessing.  Brother  Yongue  was  not  converted  until  the  death 
of  his  first-born  child — Eulalee.  This  affliction,  occurring  May  19, 
1883,  led  him  to  seek  the  Blessed  Savior.  He  joined  the  Church  in 
1885,  under  the  ministry  of  Rev.  L.  S.  Bellinger.  He  was  licensed 
to  preach  under  the  administration  of  Dr.  Thos.  Raysor,  Presiding 
Elder,  and  came  up  to  the  Conference  from  the  district  of  Rev. 
Thos.  J.  Clyde. 

Brother  Yongue  joined  the  South  Carolina  Conference  at  Spartan- 
burg, S.  C,  in  December.  1887.  with  R.  L.  Holroyd,  Alston  B.  Earle, 
Wesley  E.  Barre,  James  \\'.  Kilgo.  Watson  B.  Duncan.  John  L. 
Harley,  Samuel  T.  Lilackman.  J.  Pierce  Attaway.  Washington  L. 
Wait  and  James  E.  Mahaflfey.  He  has  served  faithfully  and  accep- 
tably the  following  charges:  Williston  Circuit.  1888-90:  Chester- 
field Circuit.  i8i)i-2:  Hickor\-  Grove.  1803-4:  East  Chester  Circuit, 
1895-8;  Port  Mill.  1899—. 


374 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


Brother  Yoiigue  is  a  consecrated  pastor  and  worker.  His  min- 
istry is  attended  with  great  success  along  the  line  of  revival  work, 
many  refreshing  seasons  of  grace  being  the  result  of  his  earnest 
labors..  He  is  a  strong  preacher,  putting  original  ideas  in  original 
ways.  He  has  a  vein  of  humor  which  is  often  used  to  advantage  by 
b:m. 

He  was  married,  in  the  City  of  Charleston,  S.  C,  on  September 
17,  1873,  to  Aliss  Anna  M.  Deery.  Of  this  union  were  born  the  fol- 
lowing children:  Eulalee  M.  (born  in  Philadelphia,  Penn.,  Dec.  15, 
1880),  Robert  A.  (born  in  Philadelphia,  Penn.,  Dec.  i,  1882),  Leila 
Logan  (born  in  Orangeburg  County,  Jan.  24,  1885),  Carson  Bel- 
linger (born  in  Orangeburg  County,  Dec.  17,  1887),  Ernest  Clyde 
(born  at  Williston,  March  17,  1890).  Of  these,  Robt.  A.,  Eulalee 
and  Carson  Bellinger  have  passed  into  the  life  beyond.  On  Novem- 
ber 13,  1891,  Sister  Yongue  died  at  Chesterfield,  S.  C,  leaving 
Brother  Yongue  with  the  responsibility  of  caring  for  the  mother- 
less ones. 

On  December  20,  1892,  he  was  married  to  Jane  ]NL  Harvey.  Of 
this  union  the  following  children  were  born :  Jennie  Harvey,  at 
Hickory  Grove,  June  27.  1894;  Sallie  Octavia.  at  Heath's,  Nov.  15, 
1896;  Robert  A.,  at  Heath's,  Nov.  7,  1898. 


REV.  S.  H.  ZIMMERMAN. 


The  Rev.  Samuel  Herbert  Zimmerman,  son  of  the  late  Rev.  John 
H.  Zimmerman  and  'Sirs.  ]\Iary  E.  Zimmerman,  was  born  in  the 
Methodist  parsonage  at  Union,  S.  C,  March  ist,  1861.  Reared  by 
a  devoted  member  of  the  South  Carolina  Conference,  it  was  natural 
that  he  joined  the  Church  in  childhood.  He  was  converted  at  Mil- 
ler's Camp  ]\Ieeting,  in  ]^Iarion  County,  when  about  eighteen  years 
old. 

He  attended  the  schools  near  his  changing  homes  and  was  two 
years  in  Wofford  College.  Although  circumstances  prevented  the 
completion  of  his  collegiate  course,  he  continued  to  study  and  so  con- 
tinues to  this  day.  And  his  education  was  sufficient  for  him  to  make 
a  most  successful  teacher.  He  first  taught  when  but  sixteen  years 
of  age,  and  after  leaving  college,  teaching  was  his  vocation  until  he 
entered  the  Conference.  His  fields  for  this  labor  were  in  Marion, 
Darlington  and  ]^Iarlboro  Counties. 

On  ]Mav  i,  1884,  he  married  Miss  Lizzie  Simpson  Jones,  daughter 
of  the  late  Rev.  and  Mrs.  Simpson  Jones.  Four  children  were  born 
of  this  union :  Simpson  Jones,  Marie  Lucile,  Samuel  Herbert  and 
Helen  Elizabeth  Zimmerman. 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches.  375 


Feeling  called  to  preach,  Brother  Zimmerman  was  licensed  in  1890, 
and  in  December  of  that  year  was  admitted  into  the  South  Carolina 
Conference.  His  appointments  have  been:  Piedmont  Circuit,  two 
years ;  Pendleton,  four  years :  Rock  Hill,  two  years :  Main  Street, 
Columbia,  two  years.  In  all  he  has  been  faithful  and  successful. 
He  won  souls.  He  built  up  believers.  He  advanced  the  spiritual 
and  material  interests  of  his  charges. 

His  record  as  a  builder  is  remarkable :  .\t  Piedmont,  during  his 
pastorate,  he  erected  a  tasteful  and  handsome  church ;  at  Pendleton, 
an  elegant  and  comfortable  parsonage;  at  Rock  Hill,  a  fine  church 
and  parsonage ;  at  ^Nlain  Street,  a  fine  parsonage  and  church.  This 
shows  him  a  man  of  special  business  capacity,  correct  taste,  energetic, 
resourceful,  persevering. 

Brother  Zimmerman  is  an  excellent  preacher.  He  studies  his  ser- 
mons carefully,  utters  them  in  choice  language,  and  with  the  Spirit's 
power.  His  reading  and  study  cover  a  wide  range  of  subjects,  so 
that  he  is  not  a  mere  sermonizer  but  a  student  of  life  and  truth.  As 
a  pastor  he  is  attentive  and  helpful.  He  looks  after  the  many  things 
required  of  an  itinerant  ^Methodist  with  fidelity  and  success. 

During  this  year  Brother  Zimmerman  has  been  desperately  ill  with 
tvphoid  fever.  Few  so  ill  ever  recover.  From  June  to  August  he 
hovered  between  life  and  death.  A  strange  fact :  Of  what  occurred 
in  that  time  he  remembers  nothing,  yet  he  conversed  with  us  so  sen- 
sibly and  appeared  to  be  fully  at  himself.  He  even  told  where  pa- 
pers had  been  placed  by  him  and  they  were  found  where  he  said. 
Today  he  remembers  nothing  of  it  all. 

Five  years  ago  his  wife  for  months  lay  at  death's  door,  her  sick- 
ness being  beyond  the  record  of  any  known  to  have  recovered. 
Surely  there  is  a  home  which  has  learned  by  sore  experience  to  feel 
for  those  who  are  sick  and  suffering,  and  this  is  no  small  matter. 
The  world  needs  those  who  can  and  do  sympathize  with  its  burdens 
far  more  than  it  does  those  who  can  simply  talk  about  things.  The 
Zimmermans  can  weep  with  those  that  weei)  and  rejoice  with  those 
that  rejoice. 


OUR  TRANSFERS. 


REV.   H.   F.   CHREITZBERG,   A.   M.,   D.   D. 

Rev.  Hiliiard  Francis  Chreitzberg  was  born  at  Georgetown,  S.  C, 
Feb.  24,  1850,  and  for  nineteen  years  (1873-92)  a  member  of  the 
South  CaroHna  Conference,  has  from  1892  till  now  been  a  prominent 
and  useful  member  of  the  Western  North  Carolina  Conference.     In 


his  present  Conference  he  has  served  churches  at  Asheville,  Reids- 
ville,  Charlotte,  and  is  now  (October,  1900,)  closing  his  third  year 
at  Tryon  Street  Church  at  this  last  place  (Charlotte)  with  conspicu- 
ous success.  In  the  South  Carolina  Conference  he  served  Cane 
Creek  Circuit  and  Camden.  Anderson.  Charleston  (Spring  Street), 
Sumter,  Newberry.  Chester  and  Columbia  (Washington  Street)  sta- 
tions, increasing  in  pulpit  power  and  general  efficiency  all  the  way 
along  the  line  of  his  promotion.  His  Alma  Mater — he  graduated  at 
Wofford  in  1873 — g^^e  him  the  degree  of  A.  M.  three  years  after 
his  graduation,  and  several  years  later  \\'eaverville  College  worthily 


TWEXTIETH    CliXTLKV    SKETCHES.  37; 


bestowed  upon  liini  the  honorary  title  of  Doctor  of  Divinitv.  He 
does  not  seek  promotion  and  prominence  (indeed,  he  is  a  painfull}' 
sensitive  and  timid  man),  but  has  always  met  the  high  expectation 
that  his  growings  prominence  has  naturally  excited.  He  is  an  able 
preacher.  At  times  he  preaches  with  great  eloquence  and  power. 
Let  him  be  sprung  on  some  occasion  when  a  great  moral  principle 
or  issue  is  involved  and  he  becomes  red-hot  in  fervid  interest  and 
eloquent  to  a  high  degree.  With  such  conditions  he  becomes  at 
times  an  incarnate  cyclone  of  well-nigh  irresistible  force.  The  cause 
of  temperance  has  ever  been  in  his  heart  and  on  his  conscience.  He 
served  for  six  years  (1883-1889)  as  Grand  Chief  Templar  of  the 
Independent  Order  of  Good  Templars,  traveling  at  large  in  this 
country  and  visiting  Canada  and  Europe,  as  the  official  representative 
of  this  great  temperance  organization,  and  was  editor  for  three  years 
(1885-7)  of  the  Temperance  Worker,  the  organ  of  the  I.  O.  G.  T. 
\\'here  he  has  li-ved  and  preached,  and  sometimes  (indeed  fre- 
quently) by  invitation  at  other  places,  he  has  led  in  the  fight  for 
prohibition  and  temperance  reform.  But  reverting  to  his  ministry, 
and  here  is  where  his  strength  lies,  he  is  a  growing  preacher  because 
he  is  an  industrious  and  systematic  student.  He  carefully  prepares 
for  the  pulpit.  He  was  a  popular  preacher  at  the  very  start,  but  as 
he  grows  older  (he  is  now  50  years  old)  he  is  more  thoughtful  and 
edifying  in  his  sermons.  He  was  for  six  years  the  secretary  of  the 
South  Carolina  Conference — none  better.  He  is  a  South  Carolin- 
ian :  was  born  in  Georgetown,  when  his  father.  Rev.  Dr.  A.  ^NI. 
Chreitzberg,  preached  there.  He  was  most  happily  married  at  Spar- 
tanlnirg,  1873,  to  Aliss  Addria,  daughter  of  Maj.  A.  H.  Kirby.  She 
has  ever  proved  a  helpmeet  for  him.  Theirs  is  an  ideal  Methodist 
preacher's  family.  It  is  a  benediction  to  be  an  occasional  guest  of 
this  sweet.  Christian  home. 


REV.  J.  C.  KILGO,  A.  M..  D.  D. 

John  Carlisle  Kilgo  was  born  in  Laurens,  S.  C,  July  22,  1861. 
His  father,  James  T.  Kilgo,  a  native  of  Xorth  Carolina,  was  a  }kleth- 
odist  minister  of  vigorous  energy,  sterling  integrity,  and  great  inde- 
pendence of  character,  while  his  mother.  Katherine  Kilgo  (ncc 
]\Iason).  who  is  still  living,  is  a  woman  of  rare  strength  of  character 
and  deep  religious  nature. 

On  December  22,  1882,  he  was  married  to  Miss  Fannie  Matt  Tur- 
ner, of  GafFney,  S.  C,  a  woman  of  excellent  sense  and  fine  character, 
who  has  ]M-oved  an  admirable  helj^meet  to  him.  This  union  has  been 
blessed  by  five  children :  Edna  Clyde,  Walter  Bissell,  James  Luther, 
Fannie  and  John  Carlisle,  Jr.     \\alter  Bissell  died  April  18,  1892. 


37^  Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


In  his  domestic  life  Dr.  Kilgo  is  peculiarly  happy.  He  is  tenderly 
affectionate  and  indulgent  to  his  family  and  generously  hospitable 
to  his  friends. 

He  was  prepared  for  college  by  ]\Ir.  Chas.  Lovejov,  in  Marion,  S. 
C,  and  by  :\Ir.  W.  J.  :\Ic Arthur,  of  Gaftney,  S.  C'  In  the  fall  of 
1880  he  entered  Woftord  College,  but  was  forced  to  quit  on  account 
of  his  eyes  at  the  end  of  his  Sophomore  year.  However,  in  1890, 
he  began  a  course  of  study  at  Wofford  (of  which  he  was  then  agent) 
intending  to  take  the  A.  B.  degree.  He  had  almost  completed  this 
course  when,  in  1892,  the  college  gave  him  the  degree  of  A.  M.  At 
that  time  he  was  holding  the  Chair  of  Economy  and  Philosophy  in 
the  college.  His  work  here,  both  as  professor  and  agent,  was  char- 
acterized by  that  energy  and  consecration  which  have  given  success 
to  all  his  efforts.  As  agent  for  the  college  he  achieved  great  success 
and  raised  quite  a  large  sum  of  money. 

Concerning  his  call  to  the  ministry,  we  might  say  there  was  noth- 
ing peculiar  in  his  call.  He  simply  had  a  spiritual  impression  that 
his  duty  and  his  success  lay  in  the  ministry.  His  life  and  his  min- 
istry manifest  the  correctness  of  this  impression  or  call. 

Dr.  Kilgo  has  served  acceptably  and  well  several  of  the  best 
charges  in  South  Carolina.  In  1883  he  was  junior  preacher  on  Ben- 
nettsville  Circuit.  In  1884-85  he  served  Timmonsville  Circuit.  In 
1886-87  he  was  in  charge  of  Rock  Hill  Circuit.  In  1888  he  served 
Little  Rock  Circuit.  From  this  place,  in  1889,  he  went  to  Wofford 
College,  where  he  remained  until  the  summer  of  1894,  when  he  was 
elected  President  of  Trinity  College,  which  position  he  still  holds. 

He  has  held  several  positions  of  trust  in  his  Church.  He  has  rep- 
resented the  South  Carolina  Conference  and  also  the  North  Caro- 
lina Conference  in  the  General  Conference ;  and  at  Baltimore  he  re- 
ceived several  votes  for  Bishop.  He  is  also  a  member  of  the  Board 
of  Education  of  the  Southern  ]\Iethodist  Church. 

The  degree  of  D.  D.  was  conferred  on  him  by  Wofford  and  Ran- 
dolph-AIacon. 

As  an  orator  he  probably  has  no  superior  in  the  Southern  Meth- 
odist Church.  He  is  indeed  a  power  before  an  audience  and  is  in 
great  demand  as  a  speaker  in  Xorth  Carolina  and  in  the  Southern 
States. 

As  a  college  president  he  has  been  eminently  successful.  Trinity 
under  his  leadership  has  made  great  strides  forward  and  today  stands 
as  one  of  the  leading  institutions  in  the  Southern  States.  The  prop- 
erty valuation  and  the  endowment  of  the  college  has  increased  over 
$350,000  during  his  administration  of  six  years. 

No  man  in  the  South  is  doing  a  greater  work  for  education.  May 
he  long  be  spared  to  continue  this  greatest  of  all  work. 


Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 


379 


REV.  R.  D.  SMART.  D.  D. 

Richard  Davis  Smart  was  born  September  17,  1846.  His  father's 
name  was  Henry  C.  Smart ;  his  mother's  was  ^Margaret  A.  Smart. 

After  the  usual  training  in  the  common  school,  he  entered  Cokes- 
burv  Conference  School  preparatory  to  entering  Wofford  College. 


After  this  preparatory  course  at  Cokesbury,  he  entered  Wofiford, 
where  he  remained  four  years,  graduating  in  June,  1868. 

As  an  evidence  of  his  ability  as  a  scholar  and  his  popularity  as  a 
student,  he  was  chosen  to  deliver  the  valedictory,  which  duty  he  dis- 
charged with  erreat  honor  to  himself  and  gratification  to  his  friends. 
After  leaving  Wofiford,  ]^Ir.  Smart  matriculated  at  the  Theological 
Seminary,  Columbia,  S.  C,  from  which  institution  he  graduated  in 
1 87 1.  With  such  a  literary  and  theological  training,  it  is  not  sur- 
prising that  Dr.  Smart  rose  rapidly  to  the  position  of  eminence  which 
he  now  occupies  as  a  preacher  of  the  Gospel. 

While  quite  young.  Mr.  Smart  felt  a  distinct  call  to  the  ministry, 
and  upon  his  entrance  at  Cokesbury  school  he  yielded  to  the  impres- 
sion, laying  himself  and  all  his  ransomed  powers  on  the  altar  of 
Christ. 


380  Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 

Air.  Smart  was  admitted  into  the  South  CaroHna  Conference  at 
Its  session  in  Charleston,  December,  1870,  and  was  appointed  junior 
preacher  on  Chester  Circuit,  Rev.  E.  J.  ]\Ieynardie,  D.  D.,  as  preacher 
in  charge.  J\Ir.  Smart,  however,  did  not  go  to  the  work  until  he 
finished  his  theological  course  at  the  seminary  in  1871.  While  in  the 
South  Carolina  Conference  Dr.  Smart  served  two  years  on  circuits, 
sixteen  years  on  stations  and  two  on  districts.  At  the  close  of  a  very 
successful  quadrennium  at  Bethel,  Charleston,  Dr.  Smart  was  trans- 
ferred to  First  Church,  Little  Rock,  Ark.,  in  December,  1891,  where 
he  remained  three  years  and  from  there  was  transferred  to  First 
Church,  Memphis,  Tenn.,  where  he  remained  four  years.  In  the 
fall  of  1898  he  was  transferred  to  Cook  x\venue  Church,  St.  Louis, 
where  he  is  at  this  writing  in  the  midst  of  a  most  successful  pastorate. 

Dr.  Smart  has  been  married  twice.  In  March,  1873,  he  was  mar- 
ried to  Miss  Julia  Isabella  Evans.  From  this  union  one  child  was 
born — Isabella  Evans.  ]Mrs.  Smart  died  in  December,  1873. 
On  June  20,  1876,  Dr.  Smart  was  married  to  ]\Iiss  Ella  Gail- 
lard  Aiken,  who  still  lives  to  grace  the  home  by  her  charming  man- 
ners and  to  sweeten  the  home-life  by  her  Christian  influence.  Of 
this  marriage  seven  children  were  born :  Louise  Gaillard,  Ella  Aiken, 
Richard  Davis.  Wyatt  Aiken,  Francis  Pelzer,  Henry  Gaillard  and 
Ella  Aiken.  The  first  two  died  while  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Smart  lived  in 
Newberry.  S.  C. 

\Miile  in  the  South  Carolina  Conference,  Dr.  Smart  was  held  in 
high  esteem  by  all  the  brethren,  being  often  elected  or  appointed  to 
positions  of  honor  and  responsibility.  \\'ith  great  pleasure,  there- 
fore, we  note  that  he  is  honored  abroad. 

Dr.  Smart  is  a  strong  preacher.  His  sermons  give  every  evidence 
of  thorough  preparation.  \\'hile  there  are  no  tricks  of  studied  ora- 
tor\-  about  him,  he  yet  preaches  with  eloquence  and  force.  The 
hearer  is  not  only  entertained  while  he  listens  but  permanently 
helped. 

As  pastor  he  excels.  He  knows  his  people,  visits  them  and  sympa- 
thizes with  them  in  all  their  troubles. The  ministry  of  such  a  man 
could  not  but  be  prosperous  in  every  particular. 


TwiiXTlETH    CeXTUKV    SKETCHES.  3S1 


REV.  A.  COKE  SMITH,  A.  M..  D.  D. 

Alexander  Coke  Smith,  son  of  Rev.  William  H.  Smith  and  Mary 
I.  Smith,  was  born  in  Sumter  County,  S.  C.  Sept.  i6,  1849.  Xo 
boy  was  ever  more  greatly  blessed  along  the  line  of  home  influence 
than  he.  With  such  parents,  it  would  have  been  difficult  for  him  to 
have  been  anything  but  a  good  boy.  He  had  access  to  the  common 
schools  of  the  community  in  his  early  years.  With  a  good  prepara- 
torv  work  thus  done,  he  entered  Wofiford  College  in  October,  1868, 
from  which  institution  he  graduated  in  June,  1872.  His  college 
record  was  one  of  great  success  and  poi)ularity.  "Coke  Smith"  was 
always  a  favorite  in  college  and  the  friendships  then  formed  have 
deepened  as  the  years  have  gone  by. 

In  December  of  the  same  year  in  which  he  graduated,  he  was  ad- 
mitted into  the  South  Carolina  Conference  and  was  sent  to  Cheraw. 
The  next  year  he  was  sent  to  Washington  Street,  Columbia,  where 
he  remained  three  years.  In  December,  1876.  he  went  to  Buncombe 
Street,  Greenville,  where  he  remained  four  years.  During  the  years 
1 88 1,  1882  and  1883  he  was  at  Trinity  Church,  Charleston.  At  the 
Conference  of  1883  was  sent  to  the  Columbia  District  as  Presiding 
Elder.  In  June,  1886,  was  elected  to  the  chair  of  :\Iental  and  Moral 
Philosophv  in  Wofiford  College,  which  place  he  filled  for  four  years. 
At  the  General  Conference  of  1890  held  in  St.  Louis  he  was  elected 
one  of  the  3^Iissionary  Secretaries  of  the  Church.  This  place  he  re- 
sign<;d  in  Julv  of  the  same  year  to  accept  the  Chair  of  Practical 
Theology  in  A'anderbilt  University.  After  remaining  there  for  two 
years  he' resigned  this  place  to  return  to  the  pastoral  work.  At  that 
time.  1892,  Rev.  W.  E.  Evans  having  left  the  Methodist  Church,  the 
pulpit  of  Granby  Street  Church,  Norfolk,  fell  vacant  and  he  was 
invited  to  fill  the  vacancy  until  Conference.  When  Conference  con- 
vened in  Norfolk  in  1892  the  oflicial  body  of  that  Church  requested 
Bishop  Hendrix  to  transfer  him  to  the  A'irginia  Conference  and  sta- 
tion him  at  Granby  Street,  which  the  Bishop  did.  Under  his  pas- 
torate Epworth  Church,  Norfolk,  one  of  the  most  beautiful  church 
edifices  in  the  South,  was  built. 

In  November,  1895,  he  was  sent  to  Court  Street,  Lynchburg.  \'a., 
where  he  successfully  labored  for  four  years,  after  which  he  was 
returned  to  Epworth  Church,  Norfolk,  where  he  is  serving  his  second 

term. 

On  December  22,  1875,  Dr.  Smith  was  married  to  Miss  Rate 
Kinard,  of  Newberry,  S.  C.  Of  the  children  born  of  this  marriage 
the  following  are  still  living :  ]slary  Louise,  Francis  Osgood,  Edward 
Ehrlich,  Alice  Glenn,  Isabel  McLeod.  Henry  Kinard,  Catherine 
Coke,  and  a  baby  for  whom  the  parents  have,  up  to  this  writing,  been 
unable  to  find  a  name. 


382  Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 

Dr.  Smith  when  a  member  of  the  South  CaroHna  Conference  was 
often  a  delegate  to  the  General  Conference  of  our  Church.  He  was 
also  elected  as  a  delegate  from  the  Virginia  Conference  in  1894  and 
also  in  1898,  and  at  the  latter  Conference  was  chairman  of  the  Com- 
mittee on  Epworth  League.  i\s  a  preacher  Dr.  Smith  ranks  with 
the  foremost  of  our  land.  His  sermons  evince  great  thought  and 
wide  range  of  information.  But  the  most  salient  characteristic  is  the 
magnetic  influence  he  wields  over  his  audience.  His  eloquence  is  at 
times  sublime,  but  it  is  never  studied  or  rapid  word-painting.  The 
secret  of  Dr.  Smith's  pulpit  power  is  in  his  sympathetic  soul.  He 
loves  his  fellowman  and  shares  his  sorrows  and  his  joys  with  a  depth 
that  one  rarely  finds. 

In  the  social  circle  Dr.  Smith  has  few  equals,  being  unaffected  in 
manner  and  possessing  a  sense  of  humor  and  a  resource  of  anecdote 
that  make  him  the  centre  of  attraction,  wherever  he  goes.  Appre- 
ciating his  worth,  A'irginia  Methodists,  both  preachers  and  people, 
have  not  failed  to  honor  him  with  their  confidence  and  their  love. 


.-^^d) 


fri\/%i~'^ 


OUR  BISHOP. 


Bishop  \\'illiam  Wallace  Duncan  was  born  in  X'irginia,  December 
20th,  1839.  He  was  the  third  son  of  the  late  Professor  David  Dun- 
can, who  was  a  native  of  Ireland,  a  graduate  of  the  University  of 
Scotland,  and  who  came  to  this  countrv  in  earlv  life  and  served  many 


years  as  a  member  of  the  Faculty  of  Randulph-Macon  College  and 
in  that  of  W'offord  College. 

Bishop  Duncan's  collegiate  education  began  at  Randolph-Macon, 
and  was  completed  at  Woiford,  where  he  graduated  in  1858.  He  was 
soundly  converted,  joined  the  ^lethodist  Episcopal  Church,  South, 
was  called  to  preach,  received  license,  and  entered  the  \'irginia  Con- 
ference in  1859.  Elizabeth  City,  X.  C,  was  his  first  appointment. 
He  was  afterwards  stationed  in  Leesburg,  Danville,  Xorfolk  and  Pe- 


384  Twentieth  Century  Sketches. 

tersburg.  and  was  Chaplain  in  the  Confederate  Army.  In  all  these 
posts  he  was  faithful  and  successful,  preaching  with  increasing 
power  and  doing  fine  and  systematic  pastoral  work.  Naturally  he 
led  many  to  Christ. 

In  1875  ^'^^  ^vas  elected  Professor  of  jMental  and  ]\Ioral  Philosophy 
in  Wofford  College  and  also  Financial  Agent  of  that  institution. 
P'or  eleven  (11)  years  he  was  untiring  m  the  labors  required  by 
these  positions,  succeeding  in  a  remarkable  degree,  both  in  the  chair 
and  agency.  He  traveled  all  over  South  Carolina,  preaching  and 
speaking  in  places  large  and  small,  in  city  and  country,  in  such  mas- 
terly fashion  that  the  influence  of  his  toil  abides  today.  While  thus 
serving,  Emory  College,  A.  G.  Haygood.  President,  and  Central 
College,  E.  R.  Hendrix,  President,  honored  themselves  by  conferring 
on  him  the  degree  of  Doctor  of  Divinity.  He  was  elected  to  the  Gen- 
eral Conferences  of  1878.  1882  and  1886,  being  Chairman  of  the  dele- 
gation in  the  year  last  named.  In  1881  he  was  one  of  the  representa- 
tives of  our  Church  at  the  Methodist  Ectmienical  Conference,  held 
in  London,  England,  and  there  he  served  with  distinguished  ability. 

In  1886  he  was  elected  Bishop  of  the  ^Methodist  Episcopal  Church, 
South,  being  the  first  of  four  then  chosen.  From  that  day  to  this  he 
has  been  abundant  in  Episcopal  labors  all  over  the  Church,  visiting 
all  the  home  fields  and  the  foreign  Conferences  in  Mexico.  He  is 
easily  the  peer  of  his  able  colleagues  in  the  Episcopacy,  and  his 
ceaseless  labors  have  been  of  immeasurable  benefit  to  the  Church  of 
his  choice  and  to  Christianity. 

As  a  preachei",  Bishop  Duncan  is  practical  and  powerful ;  as  a  pre- 
siding officer,  he  is  prompt  and  accurate ;  in  cabinet  work,  he  is  pains- 
taking, patient  and  considerate  of  the  welfare  of  preachers  and  peo- 
ple. As  a*  Christian,  he  makes  no  loud  professions,  while  ever  ready 
to  give  a  reason  for  his  hope.  But  the  writer  has  been  privileged  to 
see  his  inner  life  and  to  note  the  unmistakable  proof  of  his  earnest 
faith,  his  great  prayerfulness,  his  devotion  to  God's  Word,  his  genu- 
ine love  of  Christ  and  of  his  fellow-men — in  a  word,  of  his  humble 
walk  with  God. 

In  1861  he  married  ]\Iiss  ]\Iedora  Rice,  of  Union,  who  has  been  a 
help-meet  indeed.  Three  children  were  given  them — Thomas  C. 
Duncan,  of  Union ;  ]\Irs.  Carrie  DuPre  and  Mrs.  Alice  Rembert,  of 
Spartanburg.  These  were  brought  up  in  the  nurture  and  admoni- 
tion of  the  Lord  and  are  all  members  of  the  Methodist  Church. 

The  Bishop's  home  is  in  Spartanburg,  S.  C.  Genial,  friendly  and 
pUasant  as  he  is  everywhere,  it  is  there  his  life  shines  sweetest — but 
til  U.  spot  is  too  sacred  for  public  comment. 


UNrvERSlTY  ot  CAUbuKX^u^ 

AT 

LOS  ANGELES 

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